Wadham College Chapel

Yes, Wadham college has a lovely quiet chapel and also gardens by chapel. The stained glass scene of Jonah’ whale is somewhat odd looking– thus apparently drawn by someone who had never seen a whale, I guess!
I visit Wadham college and chapel almost every day, as I lead tourists inside on my guided walking tours of Oxford. The wardens kindly let us in most of the time. You can just imagine from the tranquility of the chapel and the gardens, why so many Inspector Morse or Lewis scenes take place in such places!
If you’d like to learn more about the history behind this college and others plus experience Oxford history at first hand on foot, in small groups with a guide, please look up my site for my walking tours every day except Mondays. Just visit

I love visiting Oxford chapels. I’m not sure how much they’re used nowadays — certainly less than they used to be, but that doesn’t detract from the visit. Some of them are really quiet and lowkey and you can imagine saintly scholars kneeling in prayer; others are really elaborate and you’d never think they were just there next to the college bar, and sometimes more extravagant than churches you visit on holiday that are main tourist attractions!
Wadham Chapel is a little hard to find, but ask at the porters’ lodge and they’ll be happy to give directions. If you know your way around a bit, it’s through the door in staircase 3. It all sounds a little Harry Potter! When you go in, look up at the stained glass window showing the story of Jonah and the whale (Jonah got swallowed by a whale), which was built in the 17^th century. As you’re wandering around you might come across a statue of some books. This symbolises Thomas Harris, one of the first fellows of the college. As you go around, it’s interesting to imagine that the walls used to be covered in Jacobean woodwork. Unfortunately, little has survived, and much was replaced by stone. If you’re lucky, you might hear someone playing the organ. It’s one of the only Victorian organs built by Henry Willis to remain nearly unchanged since it was made in the mid 19^th centry.
As with all chapels, make sure there isn’t a service in mid-​flow when you go to visit!