Archaeologists at Oxford University have uncovered a hidden network of medieval halls beneath Hertford College, revealing extraordinary details about life at one of the world’s oldest centers of learning.

The excavation began in 2024 during construction for a new library and has since uncovered the remains of three long-lost academic halls — Hart Hall, Black Hall, and Catte Hall. Each structure predates the official refounding of Hertford College in 1874, offering a rare look into centuries of student life.

Researchers say the discoveries stretch back as far as the Norman Conquest of 1066. Some of the earliest finds date to the 13th century, when Hart Hall was first established around the 1280s.

The site revealed a trove of artifacts, including ancient book clasps used to keep handwritten manuscripts shut, along with medieval writing tools known as styli — the early equivalents of pens and pencils.

Nearby rubbish pits contained animal bones, oyster shells, and even traces of imported fish from London’s River Thames, nearly 50 miles away. These remains suggest Oxford scholars of the time enjoyed trade connections reaching well beyond their city.

Excavators also uncovered coins, trade tokens, and personal items such as combs, clothing buckles, and fragments of clay pipes. Wooden bowling balls, believed to have been used for early lawn games, were found buried among the debris.

Ben Ford, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, described the findings as “an incredible window into the daily life of Oxford’s earliest students.”

But one discovery stood out above all others — a perfectly preserved reading stone believed to be made from rock crystal or glass. Scholars once used these smooth, rounded lenses to magnify handwritten text in medieval manuscripts.

Ford called the reading stone “an exceptional find.”

“It’s not only because it is so intact,” he said, “but because, unlike many archaeological finds, you can still use it for the purpose for which it was made.”

He added that its discovery during the construction of a new library was especially symbolic.

“It seems very fitting that the construction of the new library has revealed such interesting evidence of historic book-making activities.”

Archaeologists say the reading stone likely belonged to a scholar who studied in one of the early halls centuries before Oxford became a university as we know it today. The craftsmanship suggests it was made for careful study and preserved under ideal conditions.

Alongside the reading stone, researchers found clay drinking vessels, metal buckles, and fragments of early trade goods. The objects paint a vivid picture of medieval Oxford as both a hub of learning and a bustling trade town.

The discoveries were unveiled to the public during an open day at Hertford College in September. Visitors viewed the artifacts firsthand, with experts explaining how each find connects to different eras of British history.

The United Kingdom continues to be a rich source of new discoveries in 2025. Earlier this year, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a prehistoric village in Scotland and an extensive Roman settlement in the Cotswolds, thanks to a metal detectorist who found ancient cavalry swords nearby.

For Oxford, the latest excavation offers more than just relics — it’s a reminder of how much history still lies buried beneath its ancient courtyards and stone walls. As work continues on the college’s new library, experts believe even more secrets may soon emerge from the soil.