Darbishire Quad was the culmination of a long-standing project to absorb Woodstock Road properties above the Oxford Oratory. In 1920, three houses (29, 31 and 33) were purchased by the college from the vicar of St Giles' Church, Oxford, for the sum of £1,300. The three properties were constructed in 1859 and had been rented by the college prior to their purchase. The adjoining "Waggon and Horses" pub was purchased from St John's College, in 1923. These buildings were demolished between 1932 and 1933 together with the old Gate House.