Venue 2012

The XML Summer School is held in St Edmund Hall, one of the smaller of the Oxford Colleges.

Although a College in the strict sense only since 1957, the history of St Edmund Hall goes back to the thirteenth century, for it is the sole survivor of the medieval Halls that provided undergraduates with accommodation and tuition before the Colleges began to do so. It therefore lays claim to being “the oldest academical society for the education of undergraduates”.

The college takes its name from St Edmund of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury (1234-40), who traditionally resided and taught in a house at the western end of the present front quadrangle when he was a Regent Master in the Arts, probably in the 1190s.

More details on the history are available on the college website.

The black bird that is a college emblem is a chough, pronounced “chuff”.

Situated right in the heart of Oxford, Teddy Hall (as it is affectionately known) combines the ancient traditions and buildings that make Oxford famous, with modern teaching facilities and accommodation. From the moment you are greeted at the Front Lodge, you will be immersed in the same magical experience enjoyed by today’s undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Accommodation at the Hall is in single rooms, with shared facilities. If you wish to share a room with another attendee, please be sure to let us know when you register. There are only a few such rooms. Meals are all taken in college; please let us know when you register of any dietary issues. There is a college bar that is open from 6 pm until approximately 10 pm.

Travel

We strongly recommend using public transit to get to and from the college. The college has NO PARKING facilities for visitors and parking is very difficult within the city centre. There are only a few Pay & Display spaces available nearby on Longwall Street and overnight parking is not advised, unless you want to get up early to move the car. The nearest Pay & Display car park is at Angel Meadow, just over Magdalen Bridge, off St Clements.

There are 5 Park & Ride sites around the city. You can park your car for free, up to 72 hours at Thornhill and Water Eaton, and 24 hours at the other sites. Check the bus timetable, to make sure you can get to the college after leaving your car. There is some parking on St Clements near the Magdalen Bridge, within walking distance of the College. The cost in July 2012 was GBP 17.30 per day. Oxford City Council keeps a list of local parking options at http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/GetHere.html with a map of locations and list of prices.