Oxford Open Doors Weekend: 15th September - visiting Pembroke

Pembroke College is taking part in the Oxford Preservation Trust’s “Open Doors” event on the afternoon of Sunday 15th September. Visitors are invited to attend a “Meet the Fellows” session where a small group of senior academics will attempt to satisfy the curiosity of their audience by answering any and every question that is put to them.

Dr Adrian Gregory, Fellow in History, explains: “This event is a great opportunity for Pembroke to welcome neighbours and members of the Oxford city community into our College and to engage them in conversation. We hope that many people will come along to enjoy exploring our surroundings, both old and new, but also that our visitors will gain a better understanding of what we do and how we contribute to Oxford and wider society. Our question time session is intended to spark discussions which is how so much learning and discovery takes place.”

As well as engaging in debate with the Fellows, those who pop into Pembroke will have the chance to look round this most unique of Colleges, renowned for its overflowing and vibrant window-boxes and eclectic mix of architectural styles. Within the last year the College has unveiled a new set of buildings to the south of Brewer Street, which are connected to its historic site by the first over-street footbridge to be built in the city for almost a century. The bridge crosses a surviving section of Oxford’s medieval city wall and will, along with the new buildings themselves, be open to guests on 15th.

Pembroke’s in-house cafe, Farthings, will be serving cream teas all afternoon, and the Fellows’ questions session takes place at 2pm in The Pichette Auditorium. Entry for all visitors is via the College’s Porters Lodge, situated in the corner of Pembroke Square just off St Aldates.

Anyone with special mobility requirements may like to contact us in advance to confirm access arrangements (by calling the Porters Lodge on 01865 276444), but it will be possible for those who can't manage stairs to reach all areas of the College which are open on this occasion.