Atop each buttress is statuary depicting one of the seven deadly sins. Magdalen was founded in 1457 by Lord Chancellor William Waynflete, with help from Sir John Fastolf, whom Shakespeare later immortalized. It is Oxford's loveliest college, rich in decoration and unique architectural examples from every period. Magdalen stands at the east end of central Oxford in 100 acres of garden, a deer park, river walks, pasture land, and playing fields. Its buildings are on both sides of the High Street and both banks of the river.
Some accommodation is monastic in style, and shower and toilet rooms are shared.
Magdalen is close to the Bodleian Library, the modern university law library, and Sir Christopher Wren's Sheldonian Theater. Nearby pubs provide inexpensive meals in pleasant surroundings. Costs for lodging in College include bed and weekday breakfast. Only a married couple may share a room. The college is designed for study and quiet socializing.