We spent this morning exploring the university town of Oxford. We joined a walking tour where our guide told us all about the history of Oxford which has been a seat of learning for over one thousand years! There are 38 independent colleges at Oxford and 22000 students, almost half of these are post grads. Only one in 7 applicants are accepted.
Our first stop was Jesus College, a college established by a Welshman with the assistance of Elizabeth I, it was originally for men from Wales but now accepts people from anywhere. Famous past students include Lawrence of Arabia, later a fellow at All Souls College.
The Outer Quad and entrance to the Chapel at Jesus College.
We also visited the Divinity School, an amazingly ornate building that plays a key role in the decision making at Oxford and the many graduation sessions held throughout the year. It also moonlights as the Hogwarts Infirmary and Library!
The incredible ceiling at the Divinity School.
Oxfords own Bridge of Sighs!
After a morning exploring this lovely, historical town, we jumped in the car and headed to Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace is the home of the Duke of Marlborough, the current Duke is the 11th. The family who holds this seat is the Spencer-Churchill family and as such it is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, grandson of the 8th Duke. The palace includes an exhibition on Churchill where we learnt a lot about him as a politician, artist and writer. Blenheim was one of his favourite places to visit.
The Palace was a gift from Queen Anne to the first Duke, John Churchill, as a sign of gratitude for his many triumphs on the battlefield. The palace was named after the battle of Blenheim where Churchill's forces defeated the French troops.
The Palace gardens are extensive and beautiful but the weather wasn't so beautiful so we had to admire the grounds from afar.
I think these guys enjoyed the weather more than we did!
Another car ride has brought us to Bath!
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Being the custodian and admirer of a psychedelic cow, no doubt you will enjoy sharing your Bath with an abundance of radio-active pigs.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you will go to Stonehenge and be enchanted by the stone circle as well as restrained by the guide rope circle that will keep you at a distance that doesn't distinguish between spray-can wielding punks who want to deface the rocks and aging respectable school teachers who just want to stand in the middle and think things.
When I was there, Baldrick and the team from Time Team were there. Just sayin'.
Maybe you will go to Avebury and wonder why Stonehenge gets all the attention. Avebury's stone circle is fantastic. Way bigger than Stonehenge and one is allowed to touch it. Could even unleash your spray-can wielding inner punk if you wanted. Go to Avebury.
Just sayin'.
You must love having the car! Put your crap everywhere, not having to carry stuff everywhere, no timetables to stick to, seats to book, choose your own destinations, no waiting around etc, etc, etc. Probably just what you needed. Especially after a long break from driving, it would be quite a novelty again. YOu know you will have to keep this blog going when you get home, its the first thing Oscar and I do each morning while we are feeding! Take care.
ReplyDeleteLove Joel, Joel and Oscar.xxxxxx