Long the home of the world’s elite scholars, Oxford is a conservative city that has been made famous by its university. The oldest English language university in the world, Oxford University encompasses thirty-nine colleges and features historic architecture and winding cobble stone roads. With colleges dating back as far as 750 years ago, this university city places a strong focus on past traditions and customs. As soon as visitors step into the ancient town, the past comes alive. Architecture has remained unchanged throughout the years giving Oxford the same appearance as countless scholars of yesteryear have experienced.
| History of Oxford |
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Oxford originally started as a Saxon town under the rule of Alfred the Great. In the 11th century, an Augustinian abbey began training clerics. This abbey received a stroke of luck in1167—Henry II banned students from studying at the Sorbonne. In need of another training school, students began turning to Oxford for their schooling. Rivalries developed between the local people and the scholars, culminating in the St. Scholastica’s Day massacre of 1355.
As a result of the massacre, the king decided the college would be divided into colleges. The oldest of these were University, Balliol and Merton. Throughout succeeding generations, more colleges would be added even in the 19th and 20th centuries to accommodate all of the extra students.
The city began to take a less scholastic route towards fame in 1913. At this time, William Morris began producing cars in the city. The boom in industry brought with it an enhanced economy in the area and led to the building of more houses, shops, restaurants and bars. From this industrial catalyst and its long academic history, the city began to transform into the thriving, vibrant tourist hotspot that it is today.
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| Activities in the Area |
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When visiting the area, make sure to reserve plenty of time. Oxford offers guests the chance to experience a connection with the past as well as a flourishing nightlife. Harry Potter fans will surely want to check out Balliol College, Ashmolean Museum and the Christ Church. Featured in the movies, these sites are also play a component in the history of the area.
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| Museum Time |
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The oldest public museum in Britain, the Ashmolean Museum features a collection of French artists, Egyptian mummies and Eastern artifacts. Started by the donation of Elias Ashmole, this museum was named in his honor. Visitors to the museum often site the Alfred Jewel as its top exhibition. This crystal is from the time of King Alfred and even contains a reference to him carved upon it.
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| A Bloody Past |
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Balliol College started in 1263 and boasts of exceptional architecture like the Front Quadrangle and the South Quadrangle. When visiting, make sure to check out the cross on Broad Street. During the reign of Queen Mary, Archbishop Cranmer and two Bishops were burned alive at the site for their protestant beliefs.
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| Christ Church |
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The most spectacular of colleges at Oxford, Christ Church hosts the largest quadrangle in the city. In Harry Potter films, the 800-year-old chapel was famously used as Hogwarts School’s dining hall. This phenomenal chapel also doubles as Oxford’s Cathedral and is well worth a visit.
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