Christchurch, The Great Quadrangle (or Tom Quadrangle)

The Great Quadrangle, also known as Tom Quadrangle, is a Grade I listed collegiate building at Christ Church, constructed in various phases. The west and south sides date back to 1526 and were built by masons John Lubbyns and Henry Redmayne. The north range was completed around 1668 and later refaced in the 19th century. This includes Tom Tower, whose lower part is from 1526 (refaced in Taynton stone), while the upper part was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, with contributions from Christopher Kempster and the Oxford Robinsons, completed in 1681-82. The top storey above the clock was refaced, and much of the west front was restored by W.D. Caröe between 1909 and 1912, using Clipsham stone. The terrace and steps were added in 1842 by Sir Francis Chantrey.

The east side of the Quadrangle was mainly refaced around 1546, while the north side, constructed in the late 17th century, was also refaced in the 19th century. Alterations occurred in 1962-63 and 1971. The Kill Canon Gate, built in the late 17th century, was raised by one storey between 1876 and 1878.

Inside the south range, there is an early 19th-century stone staircase designed by Wyatt in 1805, featuring a Gothic fan-vault built between 1630 and 1640. The top belfry stage of the staircase tower was added in 1879 by G.F. Bodley. The ante-room between the tower and the hall mainly dates to the early 16th century. The hall, located on the first floor, was completed in 1529 and features a modern parapet and pinnacles added in 1878. The rooms beneath the hall were remodelled, and the roof, originally likely constructed by Humphrey Coke, was restored in 1720.

The Quadrangle also features eleven wrought-iron lamp-brackets with round lanterns. The raised footpath around the Quadrangle, which includes the remains of the Cloisters, is part of the listing, as is the wrought iron lantern at the Main Gate.