Today in 1545 was the birthday of Sir Thomas Bodley, founder of the Bodleian Library, known affectionately as “The Bod”. Thus my thoughts turn to Oxford and the many visits I have done there since becoming a Blue Badge Guide. It is one of my favourite tours and, judging by their complimentary comments, a favourite of my Guests too.
Described by the 19th C English poet Mathew Arnold as, “That sweet City with her dreaming spires,” there is certainly much to attract the visitor to Oxford. Famous the world over for the University which has contributed significantly to the life of the Nation for over 800 years, Oxford should be high on anyone’s wish list of places to visit in Great Britain.
Oxford University has no campus as such but is comprised of 38 colleges which are independent and self-governing. There are some 20 ancient colleges in the town centre area clustered around the 13th C Church of St Mary. The Colleges are all based around a quadrangle (quad), and all have chapels as they are based on religion. The Colleges are the centre of student life and many of them can be visited by tourists.
Some of the things you are likely to encounter on a visit to Oxford:
- A Saint! The patron saint of Oxford – St. Frideswide is her name – hear her fascinating story from the 8th C, and it may be possible to visit her recovered shrine.
- A Cathedral - Oxford boasts the only college chapel in the world which is also a Cathedral – find out why (it has a lot to do with King Henry VIII).
- The oldest museum in the United Kingdom, itself built on the site of a Royal Palace where King Richard the Lionheart was born (also his brother John – see Magna Carta).
- The scene where Protestant martyrs were burned at the stake in the 1550s during the reign of the Roman Catholic Queen Mary I (aka Bloody Mary!).
- The first building by architect Sir Christopher Wren, builder of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, still used for University ceremonies including bestowing of degrees.
- See (or visit) the Pub where a group of well-known literary people, who styled themselves ‘The Inklings’, would regularly meet to discuss ideas.
- The English Civil War – King Charles I made Oxford his headquarters during this turbulent period of English history.
- Alice in Wonderland (or Through the Looking Glass) - the character was based on a real person.
- Harry Potter – scenes from some of the movies were filmed in Oxford, and the dining hall at Hogwarts School is a studio mock-up based upon a college hall.
Visit these places and more - hear the fascinating stories about them and the people associated with them on a Private Blue Badge Driver Guide Tour – simply complete the form here: Contact