"History, academia and some more besides." Oxford by planxty
Oxford Travel Guide: 964 reviews and 2,012 photos
Oxford's very early history is shrouded in mystery, and it seems that nothing of great note happened there until Saxon times, when Alfred the Great took a hand. It was a time when successive invasions from the European mainland were sweeping Britain and Alfred (himself a Saxon from an earlier invasion) possibly founded the town to repel the newer Danish invaders. King Canute (of the trying to hold back the sea fame) was crowned here in 1018.
The next news in English history was the Norman invasion, and Oxford had it's first Norman castle in 1071. It is probable that the academic tradition, which persists to this day, started around then. From then, the toen continued to grow steadily.
Oxford rose to prominence during the English Civil War of the 17th century when the Town v. Gown issue (i.e. the locals versus the academics of the Colleges) was raised. The locals were Parliamentarian whilst the Colleges were Royalist.
Subsequent to the Civil War, the town continued to grow, like many others in England, and is now firmly on the tourist trail for visitors to Britain alongside London, York, Stratford, Edinburgh etc. etc.
Decent travel options from London make it a viable day trip even if you haven't got time to spend a night there. It's certainly well worth a visit.
- Pros:Good transport to London, lots of history.
- Cons:Can be extremely touristy, especially in summer.
- In a nutshell:It must be on the visitors list of things to do in England.
Reviews (5)
Gloucester Arms, Oxford.
Nightlife
(1)
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Sadler Memorial.
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I chanced upon this memorial plaque whilst walking along the main path in Christchurch meadow. It is affixed to the wall... more travel advice
I love canals!
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
On eof my greatest pleasures in life is walking beside either rivers or canals. The canal system in Britain is so... more travel advice
Not all who wander are lost.
Things to Do
(1)
The chapter title is a quote I have seen on many people's pages on VT, and it is certainly very true. It is, as you may... more travel advice
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Comments (1)
definitely won't take my religious granny to the gloucester arms then! hahaha! a shame i missed oxford, i'm sure its nice along the canals!