 To the west of the courtyard is the medieval Great Hall , still used as a dining room by students and staff . It was built during the time of Anthony Bek in the 13th century . For two hundred years this was the largest Great Hall in Great Britain ; however , it was shortened by Richard Foxe . It still stands some 14 m ( 46 ft ) high and 30 m ( 98 ft ) long . The black staircase that leads from the Great Hall to the Senior Common Room dates from 1662 , and is another of the older sections of the college still in use . Underneath the Hall is the college bar , located in an 11th @-@ century undercroft . Around these are student accommodation , the Lowe Library , and kitchens . 
