Discovering Oxford
For the next few weeks, I'll be posting little trip reports from Oxford, England.
I'm here at Exeter College taking two classes this summer to finish my degree requirements for my masters, and enjoying this lovely old city with my family. My husband Dave, our son Evan and I arrived this past week and have been exploring the city.
Our little house is lovely; in a quiet neighborhood about two miles outside of Oxford City, with a big meadow and playground right across the road - wonderful for Evan! On our first excursion around Oxford City, we visited the Covered Market, which has been a mainstay in Oxford for more than 1,000 years. (You can take a virtual tour here.)
We also climbed the Saxon Tower at St. Michael at the North Gate and rang the church bells. Evan was very proud to receive a Certificate of Achievment for climbing all the way to the top, and Dave took some great pictures that you can check out here in my photo album.
The Saxon Tower is Oxford's oldest building, having been built in about 1040. St. Michael at the North Gate church was constructed in the 13th century, and is now the City Church of Oxford.
A bit more interesting history about this old building: The Tower was later connected on its west side to the Bocardo Prison, which held Bishops Latimer, Ridley and Crammer who were burned at the stake by Queen Mary for refusing to convert to Catholicism. We saw their cell door at the Tower.
The first lecture of my program was presented by Oxford Fellow Tom Buchanan. He spoke about the current state of politics in the UK, and posed the question, "Will the forthcoming change in leadership (i.e. the departure of Tony Blair) be enough to re-energize Britain's Labour Party?" What do you think?
wow, Jen this is a great Blog. Thanks for keeping us updated. Love you, Stacey
Posted by: stacey bell | July 08, 2006 at 06:42 AM
What a trip!
Your photos a great.
Couldn't understand the high shots of building until I saw the wheel.
Love you three.
Dad (grandpa)
Posted by: Dave McClure | July 11, 2006 at 12:32 PM
These pictures are sooooooo great! Evan looks so cute on his birthday. I can't believe he's 5. And Jen....love the splatters! :) Hahaha
Dave you look like your are having a blast. Once again...I'm sooooooooo jealous!
Posted by: Trudy | July 12, 2006 at 10:18 PM
Hi! Love the info on your pages. I almost feel like I'm there. Well, not almost, but it's still fun!! See you later this month. Love, Leslie
Posted by: Leslie Erdmann | July 14, 2006 at 01:34 PM