Merton College was founded in 1264 by its namesake, Walter de Merton, bishop of Rochester and Chancellor. It is one of the oldest Oxford colleges (Its library is one of the oldest in Britain) but also one of the smallest, and is very successful. He was initially uncertain where to place the college, and bought land at both Oxford and Cambridge. The University was eventually placed in Oxford. A huge chapel was planned, but only part finished. It is still one of the finest chapels in Oxford, parts of it designed by Christopher Wren. Another claim to fame for Merton is that Henrietta Maria, the Catholic wife of Charles I stayed here during the English Civil War. The gardens are famously beautiful. The plan of Merton College formed the basis of many other colleges.

Sir Thomas Bodley, T.S Elliot, J.R.R Tolkein and Sir Roger Bannister, all studied at Merton.