Explore The Inside And Outside Of Rory Farquharson's Opulent Mansion.

What is "Rory Farquharson House"? Rory Farquharson House is a Grade II listed building at 124 Banbury Road, Oxford, England.

It is a three-storey house built in 1897 to the designs of architect John Sulman for the orientalist and politician Arthur Henry Hallam Murray. It has been described as "one of the best late Victorian houses in Oxford" and is now owned by St Hugh's College, Oxford.

The house is named after Rory Farquharson, who was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012.

Rory Farquharson House is a fine example of late Victorian architecture and is an important part of the Oxford townscape.

Rory Farquharson House

Rory Farquharson House is a Grade II listed building at 124 Banbury Road, Oxford, England. It is a three-storey house built in 1897 to the designs of architect John Sulman for the orientalist and politician Arthur Henry Hallam Murray. It has been described as "one of the best late Victorian houses in Oxford" and is now owned by St Hugh's College, Oxford.

Five key aspects of Rory Farquharson House are:

• Architectural significance: The house is a fine example of late Victorian architecture, with its red brick and terracotta dressings, and its steeply pitched roof.
• Historical significance: The house was built for Arthur Henry Hallam Murray, who was a prominent orientalist and politician. It was later home to Rory Farquharson, who was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012.
• Townscape value: The house is an important part of the Oxford townscape, and contributes to the city's architectural heritage.
• Educational value: The house is now owned by St Hugh's College, and is used for a variety of educational purposes, including teaching, research, and conferences.
• Cultural value: The house is a popular tourist destination, and is often used for filming and photography.

These five key aspects of Rory Farquharson House make it an important and valuable building in the city of Oxford.

Architectural significance

Rory Farquharson House is a fine example of late Victorian architecture. It was built in 1897 to the designs of architect John Sulman for the orientalist and politician Arthur Henry Hallam Murray. The house is constructed of red brick with terracotta dressings, and has a steeply pitched roof. These features are typical of late Victorian architecture, and give the house a distinctive and attractive appearance.

• Use of red brick: Red brick was a popular building material in the late Victorian period, and was often used for both domestic and commercial buildings. The red brick used in Rory Farquharson House is of a high quality, and gives the house a warm and inviting appearance.
• Terracotta dressings: Terracotta is a type of fired clay that was often used for decorative purposes in the late Victorian period. The terracotta dressings on Rory Farquharson House include window surrounds, cornices, and other decorative features. These dressings add to the overall beauty and character of the house.
• Steeply pitched roof: Steeply pitched roofs were another common feature of late Victorian architecture. The steeply pitched roof on Rory Farquharson House helps to protect the house from the elements, and also adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.

The architectural significance of Rory Farquharson House lies in its fine example of late Victorian architecture. The house is constructed of high-quality materials, and its design is both attractive and distinctive. Rory Farquharson House is an important part of Oxford's architectural heritage, and is a valuable asset to the city.

Historical significance

Rory Farquharson House has a long and storied history, having been home to two prominent figures in Oxford's history. Arthur Henry Hallam Murray, for whom the house was built in 1897, was a renowned orientalist and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament for Oxford from 1895 to 1906, and was also the first Professor of Comparative Philology at the University of Oxford. Rory Farquharson, after whom the house is now named, was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012. Under his leadership, the college saw significant growth and development, including the construction of the new St Hugh's College Library.

• The house's connection to Arthur Henry Hallam Murray: Murray was a prominent figure in Oxford's intellectual and political life, and his association with Rory Farquharson House adds to the building's historical significance. The house was built to Murray's specifications, and it reflects his taste and interests. For example, the house's library contains a large collection of books on oriental studies, reflecting Murray's passion for this field.
• The house's connection to Rory Farquharson: Farquharson was a distinguished academic and college administrator, and his association with Rory Farquharson House adds to the building's prestige. Under Farquharson's leadership, St Hugh's College became one of the leading colleges in Oxford, and the house is now a symbol of the college's success.
• The house's role in Oxford's history: Rory Farquharson House is a reminder of Oxford's rich history and its association with prominent figures in British society. The house has been witness to many important events in Oxford's history, and it continues to play a role in the life of the city.

Rory Farquharson House is a valuable part of Oxford's architectural and historical heritage. The house's connection to two prominent figures in Oxford's history, Arthur Henry Hallam Murray and Rory Farquharson, adds to its significance. The house is also a reminder of Oxford's rich history and its association with prominent figures in British society. Rory Farquharson House is a valuable asset to the city of Oxford, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in the life of the city for many years to come.

Townscape value

Rory Farquharson House is an important part of the Oxford townscape, and contributes to the city's architectural heritage in several ways:

• Architectural quality: The house is a fine example of late Victorian architecture, with its red brick and terracotta dressings, and its steeply pitched roof. The house is well-proportioned and well-detailed, and it makes a positive contribution to the streetscape.
• Historic interest: The house was built in 1897 for Arthur Henry Hallam Murray, who was a prominent orientalist and politician. The house is named after Rory Farquharson, who was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012.
• Landmark status: The house is a well-known landmark in Oxford, and it is often used as a backdrop for photographs and films. The house is also a popular tourist destination, and it is often visited by people who are interested in Oxford's architecture and history.

Rory Farquharson House is a valuable asset to the city of Oxford, and it is an important part of the city's architectural heritage. The house is a fine example of late Victorian architecture, and it has a long and storied history. The house is also a well-known landmark in Oxford, and it is often used as a backdrop for photographs and films.

Educational value

Rory Farquharson House is now owned by St Hugh's College, and is used for a variety of educational purposes, including teaching, research, and conferences. This is a significant development in the history of the house, and it reflects the growing importance of education in Oxford.

The house is a valuable asset to St Hugh's College, and it provides a unique and inspiring environment for learning. The house is used for a variety of teaching purposes, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. It is also used for research purposes, and it is home to a number of research centres and institutes. The house is also a popular venue for conferences and other academic events.

The educational value of Rory Farquharson House is significant, and it is a valuable asset to the University of Oxford. The house provides a unique and inspiring environment for learning, and it is used for a variety of teaching, research, and conference purposes. The house is a testament to the importance of education in Oxford, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in the life of the university for many years to come.

Cultural value

Rory Farquharson House is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. Its architectural significance, historical significance, and townscape value all contribute to its appeal. The house is also often used for filming and photography, due to its attractive appearance and its association with prominent figures in Oxford's history.

The cultural value of Rory Farquharson House is significant. The house is a popular tourist destination, and it is often used for filming and photography. This brings visitors to Oxford and helps to promote the city's tourism industry. The house is also an important part of Oxford's architectural and historical heritage, and it is a valuable asset to the city.

The connection between the cultural value of Rory Farquharson House and the house itself is clear. The house's architectural significance, historical significance, and townscape value all contribute to its cultural value. The house is a popular tourist destination and is often used for filming and photography, which helps to promote Oxford's tourism industry and contributes to the city's cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rory Farquharson House

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Rory Farquharson House.

Question 1: When was Rory Farquharson House built?

Answer: Rory Farquharson House was built in 1897.

Question 2: Who was Rory Farquharson?

Answer: Rory Farquharson was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012.

Question 3: What is the architectural style of Rory Farquharson House?

Answer: Rory Farquharson House is a fine example of late Victorian architecture.

Question 4: Who is Rory Farquharson House named after?

Answer: Rory Farquharson House is named after Rory Farquharson, who was the Warden of St Hugh's College from 1992 to 2012.

Question 5: What is the current use of Rory Farquharson House?

Answer: Rory Farquharson House is currently used for a variety of educational purposes, including teaching, research, and conferences.

Question 6: Is Rory Farquharson House open to the public?

Answer: Rory Farquharson House is not open to the public.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Rory Farquharson House. For more information, please visit the St Hugh's College website.

Rory Farquharson House is a valuable asset to the city of Oxford, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in the life of the city for many years to come.

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Conclusion

Rory Farquharson House is a valuable asset to the city of Oxford, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in the life of the city for many years to come. The house is a fine example of late Victorian architecture, and it has a long and storied history. The house is also a popular tourist destination, and it is often used for filming and photography. Rory Farquharson House is a valuable part of Oxford's architectural and historical heritage, and it is sure to continue to be a popular destination for visitors to the city.

The house's significance lies in its architectural beauty, its historical importance, its contribution to the Oxford townscape, its educational value, and its cultural value. Rory Farquharson House is a reminder of Oxford's rich history and its association with prominent figures in British society. The house is also a symbol of Oxford's commitment to education and scholarship. Rory Farquharson House is a valuable asset to the city of Oxford, and it is sure to continue to play an important role in the life of the city for many years to come.