A beautiful gate leading to a wonderful historical narrative. 
 
Blackfriars Hall is one of Oxford’s Permanent Private Halls, run by the English Dominicans rather than by the University itself. It was formally established in 1994, though its roots go back to the Dominican presence in Oxford from the medieval period. Unlike a college, a Permanent Private Hall is governed by an outside religious or other institution. In Blackfriars’ case, that institution is the Dominican Order, and the Hall sits within a wider Blackfriars community that includes the Priory and the Studium.
 
Blackfriars traces its origin to 1221, when the Dominicans first established themselves in Oxford. The medieval priory was later suppressed in 1538, then re-founded in 1921, and the Hall became part of Oxford University in 1994.
 
Interesting facts...
The watercolour above shows the entrance gate which is surprisingly under 100 years old.