Schmap Oxford Historical Background

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Oxford - Historical Background
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The first written reference to Oxford, or Oxenford as it was then called, is a 912 entry in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle stating that 'King Edward (the elder son of Alfred the Great) took possession of London and Oxford and all the lands which owed obedience to them'. However, the town was certainly in existence at least 200 years before when the patron saint of Oxford, St Frideswide, founded a priory on the site of what is now Christ Church cathedral.

From those early beginnings the town's fortunes fluctuated over the centuries and it is now a city of 130,000 inhabitants known for its academic, medical and scientific research, its 2 universities, and its thriving industrial and publishing base. However, it is almost certainly true that without Oxford University and its wonderful buildings the city would be just another pleasant but undistinguished English market town.

The Normal Conquest and Domesday

At the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066 Oxford was the 6th largest town in the country and was a well-established commercial centre. The building of the castle 5 years later consolidated it as the administrative hub of the surrounding area but by 1086 (Domesday) the town was in decay. However, it slowly recovered and by the end of the 11th century a market had been established. The town's revenues were further improved by the introduction of an annual fair and the seal was set on its rising importance when, at the beginning of the 12th century, Henry I built Beaumont Palace just outside the north gate and close to where Worcester College now stands. It was in Oxford that the agreement to end the struggle for the crown between Henry's daughter, Matilda, and her cousin Stephen, both grandchildren of William the Conqueror, was settled.

The Origin of the University

The growing importance of the town, its proximity to and its good communications with London, together with its fertile soil and temperate climate, led to the establishment of many religious houses and churches in the town and surrounding area. At that time religion and learning went hand-in-hand and, as a result, a culture of learning was established. This itself attracted teachers from Europe who set up in business by renting or buying houses and rooms and providing basic accommodation, food and tuition to students - in this way the first academic halls in the town came to be formed. As there were no universities in England, Englishmen went to Europe, usually Paris, for a university education. But this tradition came to an abrupt halt in 1167 when English students were expelled from Paris University. Many saw Oxford, with its established culture of teaching and learning, as the natural place to continue their studies and the church of St Mary the Virgin became the focal point of the emerging university. Teaching expanded rapidly and at one stage there were 120 academic halls in the town centre alone.

This rapid rise in the student population caused difficulties for the townspeople and the town/gown relationships became fraught. There were many riots over the years (including one in 1209 which resulted in a group of students fleeing Oxford and creating Cambridge University), but the most serious was in 1355 when a 3 day riot left 63 students, and probably half that number of townspeople, dead in the streets. As a result the university was granted significantly increased power by Edward III and virtually controlled the city for the next 500 years.

During the 13th century graduate colleges, with endowments of land and property to provide an income covering running costs, were established by wealthy benefactors. This enabled students to be taught without charge and when this practice was extended to undergraduate colleges with the foundation of New College in 1379, the future of academic halls was bleak; by the mid 15th century only 8 remained.

When civil war broke out in 1641 the university supported the royalists. The following year Charles I made Oxford his military headquarters and took up residence in Christ Church until he was forced to escape in 1646 disguised as a servant. Oxford was fortunate to escape the consequences of supporting the wrong side when Cromwell preferred to make himself Chancellor of the university rather than to destroy it but there was no new building in the city until the restoration in 1669.

Boom and Bust

The next 60 years, however, were the golden age of Oxford architecture with the building of the Sheldonian Theatre, Tom Tower, the Clarendon Building, the Radcliffe Camera and the great quad of All Souls College.

However, this golden age was followed by a period of decline and stagnation. Teaching and study became almost non-existent and university life became little more than an excuse for debauched living. It was not until the 19th century that the great revival began and future leaders in political, business and religious fields chose Oxford as their alma mater. Written examinations were introduced in 1800; the restriction on dons being allowed to marry was lifted in 1870; the next year non-Anglicans were welcomed as students, and at the same time the first women's colleges were founded.

20th Century Transformations

By the early 20th century Oxford was transformed. The introduction of car manufacturing led to an explosion in the population. 'Town' became economically much stronger and the old town/gown rivalries were consigned to history when the Mayor was given an honorary degree and the Vice-Chancellor became a freeman of the city.

Modern Oxford

Today Town and Gown co-exist happily. Car production, although on a smaller scale, is still an important employer. But other industries, notably light engineering, publishing, scientific and bio-chemical research, as well as tourism provide employment opportunities for local people. A second university, Oxford Brookes, now has more students than its illustrious neighbour, and education at all levels is an important contributor to the local economy.

All of these changes have contributed to making 21st century Oxford a city of wonderful contrasts. It is easy to turn off a busy shopping area and within seconds be transported into a calm and quiet environment, evocative of centuries past. Oxford is a 'city of dreaming spires' but also a thoroughly modern commercial and prosperous town.

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All Souls College

College of research fellows

High Street
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 4AL
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 9379
http://www.all-souls.ox.ac.uk/
enquiries@all-souls.ox.ac.uk/

Founded in 1438 by Archbishop Chichele of Canterbury as a memorial to those who died in the 100 Years War with France, its full name is The College of All Souls of the Faithful Departed. This unique college takes neither undergraduate nor graduate students, only Research Fellows. The imposing twin towers (designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor) and Christopher Wren's sundial are features of the Great Quad which was completed in 1733.

Review © 2007, Wcities

All Souls College photo by Cécile Matthey

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Photo: James Watkins

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Photo: Nancy and Christopher

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Christ Church

Oxford's most well-known college St Aldates
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1DP
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 6150
http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/ Christ Church is the most famous Oxford college, probably the grandest, and certainly the most photographed. Founded as Cardinal College in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey, the college became Christ Church in 1545. The college chapel, which is also the cathedral of the Oxford diocese, contains the reconstructed shrine of St Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford, a rich variety of stained and painted glass including works by Abraham van Linge and Edward Burns-Jones, and a rare panel depicting the martyrdom of St. Thomas A. Becket.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Clarendon Building

Part of Bodleian Library Bodleian Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 7180 (Library)
http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ This is one of a number of grand and architecturally important buildings at the eastern end of Broad Street. The Clarendon was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor (a pupil of Wren), and built in 1712 by the Oxford University Press for their printing works which had outgrown previous premises in the Sheldonian Theatre. Now it's part of the Bodleian Library, while the Press is in modern buildings a mile away. However, a felicitous reminder of its former activities is the 'Clarendon Press' imprint which can be found on all OUP books. Please note that this building is not open to the public.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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New College

Old and beautiful Holywell Street
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3BN
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 9555
http://www.new.ox.ac.uk/
barbar.vardag@new.ox.ac.uk Head for the spot where New College Lane meets Queen's Lane, enter through the narrow gate tower, and you'll find a college much more extensive and spacious than you'd have imagined. This was the seventh Oxford college to be founded (in 1379) and the first to admit undergraduates. New College boasts of an ancient city wall, as well as the impressive great quadrangle, with buildings dating from the 15th century. The college chapel has a window painted by Thomas Jervais in the late 18th century. The style of the nativity scene caused great controversy at the time, not least because the artist incorporated society figures of the day into the painting, including for instance, the wife of the poet Sheridan as the Virgin Mary.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Oxford Brookes University

Oxford's other university Gipsy Lane Campus
Headington
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 0BP
United Kingdom
+44 1865 74 1111
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/
query@brookes.ac.uk Few visitors realise that Oxford University is not the only university in town: Brookes University may not be as famous or prestigious, but it is still a major regional university. Inevitably, each university's respective student population tends to have a distinct personality and favourite places to go - not to mention some healthy rivalry - but when it comes down to it, both contribute to the student feel of Oxford.

For information on courses and admissions, call +44 1865 48 4848.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Radcliffe Camera

One of the city's most beautiful buildings Radcliffe Square
Oxford OX1 4AJ
United Kingdom
http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ Turn the corner into Radcliffe Square and you'll see why the Camera is one of the most admired buildings in Oxford. This was the first round library to be built in Britain by John Radcliffe, who studied at Oxford and left much of his wealth and all of his medical books to the university. Building work started in 1737, and in 1860 it became part of the Bodleian Library. It is now used as reading rooms and is not open to the public, but the exterior view is more than enough to make this building worth visiting.

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Sheldonian Theatre

Ceremonies and concerts Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3AZ
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 7299
http://www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk/
custodian@sheldon.ox.ac.uk Round buildings usually stand out from the surrounding architecture, and the Sheldonian is no exception. Visitors can't help but wonder what goes on inside, not least because the 'Emperors' heads' on the wall on Broad Street give the place such an imposing air. Primarily, the Sheldonian is a university building, used for major meetings and ceremonies. At other times, it is used as a concert venue. The theatre is an excellent setting, particularly for classical recitals, although the tiered seating can be slightly uncomfortable. This is a historically important building as it was the first major one to be designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who at the time was only 31 and a professor of astronomy. The design is based on the Marcellus Theatre in Rome and the theatre is named after Archbishop Sheldon (University Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury) who paid for its construction. Opening hours are irregular, depending on ceremonies, concerts and rehearsals.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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St Mary the Virgin Church

University church High Street
Oxford OX1 4AH
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 9111
http://www.university-church.o...
university.church@ox.ac.uk Although mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the oldest parts of the church we now see are the 13th-century tower and 14th-century spire. Until specialised university buildings were available, St Mary's was used for university meetings, examinations and ceremonies. In fact, the flat-roofed extension which is now a cafe was once the university parliament building. It was in this church that Archbishop Cranmer was tried for heresy in 1555; where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, preached his famous 1774 sermon; and where John Keeble delivered his Assize sermon (in 1833) which became the catalyst for the Oxford Movement.

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Tom Tower

Eye-catching entrance to Christ Church Christ Church
St Aldates
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1DP
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 6150 Standing over the entrance to the most famous Oxford college, Tom Tower is a landmark in itself. This imposing octagonal tower with a lead-covered cupola was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1682. It was constructed on top of an archway and turrets dating from the 16th century and houses Great Tom - the loudest bell in Oxford. Weighing more than seven tons, the bell chimes 101 times at 9.05p every evening to recall not only the 101 students residing in Christ Church when the tower was completed, but also the time by which they were supposed to be in bed.

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Worcester College

College with attractive lake Worcester Street
Oxford University Campus
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 2HB
United Kingdom
+44 1865 27 8300
http://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/ Worcester's location is nowadays regarded as central, but it was once considered so isolated that the college was referred to as Botany Bay. The benefit of being on the edge of central Oxford is that Worcester has extensive grounds. The grounds extend to 26 acres and include a beautiful lake - unsurprisingly, they are one of the main attractions for visitors to the college. Worcester is also of considerable architectural interest, with a pleasing mix of neo-classical and medieval buildings. The latter are a reminder of the college's beginnings as a Benedictine college in the 13th century.

Visits by appointment only: no groups.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Oxford - Historical Background"
Oxford
Oxford - Neighborhood Guide
Oxford - Where to Stay
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Other nearby cities:
Bath (86 miles)
London (92 miles)
Birmingham (93 miles)
Southampton (97 miles)
Bristol (99 miles)
Cambridge (100 miles)
Brighton (128 miles)
Cardiff (136 miles)
Sheffield (180 miles)
Manchester (202 miles)

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