Merton College, Oxford University

The detailing of the porch at Merton College, the design of Thomas Holt, is typical of the general trends of the time, with its robust use of classical, Dutch and Tudor ideas. The more exciting look of the designs of the day were due, in part, to the newly acquired influences of England as a growing power in the world. Britian had conquered the great powers and established colonies in both America and India. The transition from the medieval society of the previous century was nearly complete.