Oscott
OSCOTT, a hamlet, in the parish and union of Aston, Birmingham division of the hundred of Hemlingford, N. division of Warwickshire, 6 miles (N.) from Birmingham. This place is distinguished as the site of a large Roman Catholic college, founded in 1794, and devoted to religious and secular purposes, under the title of "St. Mary's College, Oscott." The establishment was, till lately, conducted in a building situated about two miles distant, in the parish of Handsworth, Staffordshire; but in 1837, the present college was erected, after a design by Joseph Potter, Esq., at a cost of about £40,000. It is a fine edifice in the Elizabethan style, presenting a front of 346 feet, and two wings, besides a chapel and offices, which occupy another wing; the situation is exceedingly imposing, and the pleasure-grounds, extending over about 15 acres, comprise handsome gardens, plantations, and terraces. The interior of the buildings was partly fitted up under the superintendence of A. W. Pugin, Esq. The chapel, which was consecrated May 29th, 1838, is elaborately decorated with stained glass and carvings in oak; the library containing nearly 20,000 volumes, occupies two spacious rooms, and there are, besides, a valuable museum, and numerous paintings scattered through the principal apartments and the galleries. Accommodation can be provided for about 130 students, exclusively of professors. The course of instruction embraces the various departments of literature, science, and philosophy, and theology for such as are intended for the priesthood.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.