University College was founded in 1249 by William of Durham and was the earliest college of its kind in the country. There were claims that the college was possibly founded even earlier by King Alfred. The front of this college extends over two hundred and sixty feet along the south side of the High-street. The original medieval buildings have been replaced over the years. The Master’s Lodgings were designed by GF Bodley in 1879 in the style of a Cotswold Manor House with mullioned windows.