Harris Manchester College is unique in Oxford, as it takes only students aged 21 and over (generally known as "mature students") to read for undergraduate and graduate degrees. The College's primary objective is to provide an academic and social environment in which mature students can flourish. Centrally located in Oxford, Harris Manchester is just a few minutes' walk away from the Bodleian Library as well as other University facilities Harris Manchester College was originally founded as the Warrington Academy in 1757. The College was re-founded in Manchester in 1786 to train people for the learned professions and civil and commercial life. John Dalton, famous for his atomic theory, was appointed a Professor of the College in 1793.In 1840 the College received a Royal Letter in Council signed by Queen Victoria, making it a Collegiate Society of the University of London, with the same status as University College and King's College.