A historic institution at the heart of Oxford, the Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and has been housed in its current Victorian Gothic building since 1857, designed by Benjamin Woodward. Rich in architectural detail, the Debating Chamber is adorned with Pre-Raphaelite murals by Rossetti and Morris. Today, the Union remains a celebrated forum for free speech, hosting world-renowned speakers and offering a glimpse into the intellectual life of the University.