Green Templeton welcomes more than 1,200 visitors during Open Doors 2019

Green Templeton College was happy to welcome more than 1,200 visitors during Oxford Open Doors 2019.

The college was open to members of the public on Sunday 15 September from 11:00 to 16:00 as part of the annual celebration organised by Oxford Preservation Trust in partnership with the University of Oxford.

On a beautifully sunny day, visitors flocked to college for their chance to visit the iconic 18th century Radcliffe Observatory, situated at the heart of our three-acre site.

They learned about the history of the building, which functioned as a working observatory from 1773 until 1934, and climbed the Tower of the Winds to admire the picturesque views over Oxford.

Visitors also had the opportunity to view the Radcliffe Meteorological Station, located next to the Observatory, which has records dating back to 1767. The station possesses the longest-running record of temperature and rainfall data for a single site in Britain, running continuously from 1813.

James King, a DPhil student in the Climate Research Lab, gave popular talks throughout the day about his role as an Observer, responsible for daily readings and maintaining the weather station’s records.

The college’s property at 13 Norham Gardens, a few minutes’ walk from the main college site, was also open to the public during open tours.

The beautiful Grade II listed building is the former home of Sir William Osler, Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford, and is now used as a conference centre and home to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

Emeritus Fellow Professor Terence Ryan provided popular tours and information about 13 Norham Gardens and Osler’s legacy.

Thank you to everyone who visited us during Open Doors – it was wonderful to see so many people and we look forward to welcoming you back next year!

Useful information

Green Templeton College
43 Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6HG

13 Norham Gardens
Oxford
OX2 6PS

• How to get to Green Templeton College
• Full Open Doors 2019 programme and schedule

Find out more about Green Templeton College

• About Green Templeton College
• History of Green Templeton College
• The Green Templeton College Coat of Arms
• History of 13 Norham Gardens
• History of the Radcliffe Observatory
• Exploring the Eight Winds on the Tower of the Winds
• Signs of the Zodiac at Radcliffe Observatory
• John Radcliffe Statue
• History of the Radcliffe Meteorological Station
• Exploring the link between Green Templeton and astronomy 
• History of the Duke of Marlborough Telescope