Heritage Open Day: Merton College welcomes visitors to explore the history and beautiful gardens. Merton College was founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, Chancellor of England and Bishop of Rochester. The College features 4 Quadrangles, one of which is Mob Quad. This is the oldest quad in the University. Mob Library is the oldest continuously functioning library for university academics and students in the world. The Gatehouse dates from the 15th century. The quire of Merton Chapel was begun in the late 1280s, built to replace the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. The Chapel contains one of the finest pre-Reformation lecterns; a screen by Christopher Wren was added in 1673.