The History of Oxford and the University Information
Booklet
History of Oxford
Founded by the Romans in 1066, Oxford is one of the oldest cities globally and is famous for its literary and scholarly traditions!
In total Oxford has appeared in over two hundred movies and TV series.
Some interesting facts about Oxford University
Oxford University is the world’s second-oldest university in continuous operation, after the University of Bologna in Italy.
Oxford University consists of 39 self-governing colleges. Each college offers a system by which students can study all subjects at each college. Because of some disputes with the townsfolk in 1209, some academics fled Oxford and started a new establishment, the University of Cambridge.
Some important places in Oxford
Oxford University is a world-renowned institution that has been educating students for over 900 years. Here are some of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford that you will see.
The Broad: Broad Street is a wide street in central Oxford, known for its bookshops, and Balliol College, Trinity College and Exeter College are all on Broad Street.
The Sheldonian Theatre: Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian Theatre uis a Grade I listed building and the ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford.
The Broad
The Sheldonian Theatre
Bodleian Library: The Bod as students call it is the main research library of the University of Oxford and one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
The Bodleian
Balliol College: Founded in 1263, Balliol College claims to be one of Oxford’s oldest colleges.
Christ Church: Christ Church’s history spans almost 1000 years, dating back to its founding in 1030. The dining hall here served as the model for the Great Hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Imagine dining where wizards feasted!
Christ Church College
Exeter College: It has occupied much of its present site since 1315. Its founder, Walter de Stapeldon, rose from humble beginnings to become the Bishop of Exeter and Treasurer of England under Edward II.
Magdalen College: Founded in 1458, Magdalen is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford. Magdalen College students have a quirky May Day tradition. At 5 am on May 1st, they gather on Magdalen Bridge for music, dancing, and even bridgejumping!
St. John’s College: Founded in 1555, St. John’s is one of the largest colleges in Oxford. It is known for its beautiful gardens and its impressive library, which contains over 100,000 books.
Magdalen College
Famous Faces
Founded by the Romans in 1066, Oxford is one of the oldest cities globally and is famous for its literary and scholarly traditions! It has been home to many famous faces...
J.R.R. Tolkien : He was an English writer, poet, and philologist. He is best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
Tony Blair : He is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007. He was also the leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007.
Emma Watson : She is an English actress, model, and activist. She is best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series.
More Famous Faces
British Prime Ministers: 28 British Prime Ministers have graduated from Oxford University. Notable names include Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Tony Blair, and Margaret Thatcher. Imagine the halls shaping future leaders!
International Leaders: Beyond the UK, Oxford has produced at least 30 international leaders. These alumni have left their mark on global politics, diplomacy, and governance.
Nobel Prize Winners: Oxford boasts 55 Nobel Prize winners among its graduates. Their groundbreaking contributions span various fields, from science to literature.
Olympic Medalists: A whopping 120 Olympic medal winners have studied or taught at Oxford. Their athletic prowess echoes through history.
Punting
For centuries, flat-bottomed boats had been used either for carrying cargo or for fishing, and in 1860s that the first ‘pleasure punts’ appeared.
How to Punt
The person using the pole stands at the back of the boat (this is the end that is tied to the jetty).
Lean the pole slightly forward and gently push straight behind the punt, work your way up the pole hand over hand, and when you get to the top with the pole trailing behind you, the boat and the pole should be in a straight line.
Some parts are muddy, so if you feel the pole sinking into soft mud don’t push too hard, give the pole a twist and yank out.
