Oxford gained importance under Kings Henry I and Henry II as a seat of learning, especially after 1167, when, during Henry's quarrel with the French, English scholars at the University of Paris were recalled to England. The problems following this influx of scholars led to the disbanding of the University. Fleeing scholars contributed to the founding of another university in Cambridge. The 13th century saw the founding of the first three colleges in Oxford; the 14th added four with three more founded in the 15th century. The 17th century saw a period of much construction and many of the colleges have a markedly Jacobean appearance. These years also saw the emergence of some of Oxford's greatest architects: Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, and two talented amateurs, Henry Aldrich and George Clarke.

Radcliffe Camera was built between 1737 and 1749. Dr John Radcliffe, physician to Queen Anne, bequeathed his great collection of scientific books to the University, and left money to build Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Infirmary and the Radcliffe Observatory. He also gave University College its second quadrangle.