Oxford & University
Situated about 50 miles north west of London at the meeting place of two rivers, the Upper Thames from the north west and the Cherwell from the north, the ancient town of Oxford is perhaps the most famous place of international learning. The origins of the town date back to 912 when it was first recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Its name comes either from its literal meaning, a ford for oxen or from Osca's ford . The heart of the city is called Carfax, a name that probably derives from the Latin quadrifurcis (four forks) form which the main streets run towards the four points of the compass. Carfax formed the centre of the walled medieval city.
Although its ancient buildings and cobbled streets dominate the centre of Oxford, it is always within easy reach of open green space or field such as University Parks or Christ Church Meadows. The dominant feature of Oxford, however, is undoubtedly its 35 colleges that go to make up its famous university.
Although a college of learning was founded by King Alfred the Great in 872, the university was not really established until the XII century when groups of scholars started to congregate around famous teachers of the day. Hostility between France and England forced the expulsion of English students from Paris and as such their arrival prompted the expansion of academic life in Oxford. During the mid XIII century University College, Balliol College and Merton College were founded to be followed by many others - Exeter (1314), New (1379), Corpus Christi (1517), Magdalen (1458), Wadham (1612), Trinity (1555), Jesus (1571). Worchester (1714), Somerville (1879), St Catherine's (1962), to name but a few.
Most of the colleges owe their origins to wealthy benefactors. Providing self-contained communities for its students and staff, most of Oxford's colleges initially followed a monastic model and all their members were expected to be celibate. The university's black gown is the modern descendent of clerical robes. As the university acquired more and more privileges its members were increasingly disliked by local communities and frequently "town vs gown" conflicts broke out.
Because of its growing social and in turn political status the university was directly affected by historical events. During the English Civil War of the mid 17th century, for instance, between the King and Parliament, Oxford became a royalist stronghold, confronting its rival university town, Cambridge, which supported Parliament. But despite Oxford's long-standing traditions it has experienced change and reform down the centuries. During the 16th and 17th centuries undergraduates were first admitted to the colleges, which until then were exclusively for graduates. The colleges, however, remained all male preserves until 1959 after which women achieved equal status with their male colleagues. Modern times also have had an impact on other traditions. In 1919, for instance, compulsory Greek was abolished as an entry requirement and in 1960 so was Latin. Many other traditions, however, have stood the test of time. Degree award ceremonies are still conducted in Latin and full academic dress is worn at several occasions during the year. Apart from degree award ceremonies it is worn at matriculation when new entrants are formally presented to the vice-chancellor, during examinations and on a number of occasions throughout the year at mealtime.
For the visitor the most inspiring aspect of Oxford is the architectural splendour of the university's colleges. Each of them has its own style and atmosphere that reflects the different periods in which it was built. Among the notable structures of the university is Christ Church College's Tom Quad, the largest quadrangle in the university, housing in its gateway the Great Tom, a 7 ton bell, the round Sheldonian Theatre that was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is used as a university assembly hall and the world famous Bodleian Library which replaced a 14th century library that was destroyed in the mid 16th century. It was restored in 1602 by the English scholar and diplomat Sir Thomas Bodley who donated to the library a collection of books he had bought in Europe. The library, together with the British library in London, receives a copy of every book published in Britain. It is situated in the beautiful Radcliffe Square, named after Dr John Radcliffe (1652-1714), the King's physician. Dominating the square, described by the architectural writer, Pevsner, as "unique in the world", is the Radcliffe Camera, which now serves as the reading room of the Bodleian Library.
Oxford also boasts a number of historic churches , notably the Church of St Michael, built in the XI century and the Church of St Mary the Virgin built in the XIII century. The university's Ashmolean Museum, founded by Elias Ashmole in 1683, is also a notable feature of the town. It was the first public museum and houses a fine collection of archaeological artefacts.
All in all Oxford offers the visitor a wonderful array of sights and experiences and may also serve as a base for exploring the wonders of the surrounding countryside and historic towns and villages like Rousham on the Cherwell and Abingdon on the Thames.