Oriel Square tennis court explained

The Oriel Square tennis court was a real tennis court that was located in Oriel Square, central Oxford, England.[1] The Liber Albus mentions the Oriel court being in Vinehall Lane in 1577.[2]

Charles I played tennis here with his nephew Prince Rupert in December 1642 and the future King Edward VII, accompanied by the Duke of Marlborough, played tennis here in 1859.[3]

The court survived until 1923, when it was used as a lecture hall by Oriel College, though it may have seen earlier use as a theatre. The site is now the location of Oriel College's Harris Building, used for student accommodation, a seminar room and lecture theatre.

The only active court left in the city is the Merton Street tennis court.[4]

Further reading

References

51.752°N -1.2543°W

Notes and References

  1. Book: . . Real Tennis . 1988 . 356 . 0-333-39917-X . Hibbert . Christopher . Christopher Hibbert .
  2. Crossley, Alan (editor), 'Social and Cultural Activities', A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 4: The City of Oxford (1979) — Oxford University Press British History Online
  3. Jackson's Oxford Journal, 29 October 1859
  4. Web site: Home . outc.org.uk.