The Educational Journey of Oxford University since 11th Century – Part 3
Recap
On an English summer afternoon we excitedly gathered for an Oxford University Walking Tour to explore the historic University of Oxford- a 900 years old traditional learning centre; whose horizon is lined with Spires, turrets and centuries old stone buildings! It holds layered past of its own and this day trip was offering us a distinctive historic moment, a more immersive enthralling rendezvous to the learning precedent.
Of Harry Potter Films
Oxford walks are much-loved by Harry Potter fans. The series writer J K Rowling’s books sell in millions as well as the films based upon them are a great rage. Several parts of Hogwarts (a fictional British Boarding school in the Harry Potter novels) are filmed in Oxford University especially movie Sorcerer’s Stone & movie Goblet of Fire were shot at various locations here!
The centuries old Baliol College in Oxford University -established in 1263
A Run Through
While on the Oxford Walk we discovered that education developed in Oxford since the year 1096 and it became a formal University from 12th century onwards!
Subsequently we had passed 3 Blackwell Booksellers out of the total of 30 bookstores; from the year 1846, stopping at a landmark of Oxford –Bridge of Sighs, an architectural wonder.
The interesting History of Science museum since 16th century
Next we photographed the house of Edmond Halley, the 17th century astronomer, who discovered the Halley’s Comet! We came across the students and visitors favourite haunt Turf Tavern- ‘An Education in Intoxication & Oxford’s Best Kept Secret’!!
After that, we had passed by the majestic architecture Bodleian Libraries holding the 15th century School of Divinity– the oldest surviving ‘lecture room & Discussion room’, the English Baroque architecture Sheldonian Theatre and Claredon building.
Bodleian University- Weston Library in Oxford University_ modern research library yet holds manuscripts and historic books.
In a while we saw the mid 13th century resplendent University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin which is the centre from which the Oxford University grew and another landmark- 18th century Radcliffe Camera building came up ahead of us.
Gallery- The Entrance to the University Church of Saint Mary
After that we visited the prestigious All Souls College where President of India Dr S Radhakrishnan was a Fellow and a Spalding Professor– an important achievement for an Indian Scholar from British colonial India!
Where it al began-The 13th century University Church of Saint Mary where the Oxford University commenced
Back to History of Science Museum
Earlier we had commenced our visit to the year 1643 build History of Science Museum and came across a large classroom Blackboard with Theory of Relativity written upon by scientist Albert Einstein in May 1931!
Other highlights were King Shah Abbas II’s Astrolabe– a masterpiece of both science & art and a display of scientist Marconi’s discovery of the Radio!!
History of Science Museum-Making Waves – Marconi and the Radio
Miracle Drug Penicillin & Oxford
Continuing our tour in the museum we came across the life saving story of Penicillin revealed, that even though it was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, he was unable to purify or stabilise it! An Oxford team of scientists played an imperative role in laboriously creating a ‘miracle drug’ that saved millions of lives by the end of the World War II!!
Photography- Radcliffe Camera & More
Up ahead I spotted the display of the Radcliffe camera building that we had visited recently and discovered the long complex history of how Latin word Camera meaning Room altered to the name of the ‘Device for taking photographs’ now!
Behind us was the interesting display of Alice in Typhoidland that unveils the battle against Typhoid in Victorian era till now.
It was super fun to explore ‘Science beyond the Headlines’ Museum and we loved the souvenir Basement shop too; for all age groups selling Books to puzzles to astronomy-items in every range!
Trinity College- Year 1555 to Now
Walking back towards the car park we came across the year 1555 Trinity College Entrance on the Broad Street. We briefly left the Walk to peep into the picturesque historic gardens and monument like buildings inside past the tall fortress like gates! It was fascinating to know that 3 British Prime ministers had studied here in the 18th century besides many more known personalities.
It was amusing to recall that along-with a 24/7 Library and Chapel; Trinity college is famous for its ‘Beer Cellar Bar’ that hosts events & quizzes too!
Oxford University’s Oldest College-Balliol College
Then we came across the majestic entrance embellished with a stone Lion Shield on the top, from the year 1263 Balliol College that claims to be the oldest college in the Oxford University and in the English speaking world! Additionally, 4 British Prime Ministers are its alumni. Briefly halting to catch a view of beautiful scenic gardens and remarkable buildings I made a mental note to book a visit to its Hall, Chapel and gardens next time.
While on the Oxford Walk- Visitor Arvind Chopra outside Trinity College since year 1555!
Weston Library Bodleian Libraries- Modern to Manuscripts
Next we strode towards the new modern look Weston Library Bodleian Libraries for a much needed Tea break that was buzzing with activity. We read that it is a modern research library yet holds manuscripts and historic Bodleian libraries books. The colourful book-racks and the buzzing Cafe at the refurbished Bodleian University Weston Library that began in 1937 and finally acquired the new look in 2015 was worth the Oxford Walking Trip! We had earlier hit upon the Bodleian Old Library and the Radcliffe Camera building on our Oxford Walk.
The Colourful book-racks and buzzing Cafe at the refurbished Bodleian University Weston Library that began in 1937 and finally acquired the new look in 2015!
As Bodleian Library is spread across these 3 buildings in the Oxford city!! One often gets to see the enlightening exhibitions after enjoying a break in the Cafe overlooking the vibrant Book racks holding thousands of books.
We were informed about the permanent display of Sanskrit Shikshapatri Hindu Scripture written in 1826 by Shree Swami narayan!
Broad Street Press
After the Tea break we came across an active display of fully operational printing equipment which is regularly used by schools and visitors, near the cafe. No wonder the sign read Please do not touch!
The Broad Street in Oxford where we had been walking earlier has been a historical location for printing. The Sheldonian Theatre we had seen formerly was used for printing since 1660’s and the Claredon building was home of the Oxford University Press from 1715 until 1820’s!
A close up of the fully operational printing equipment which is regularly used by Visitors & schools
20th century Smith Replica Printing Press- a copy of the original 17th century press
Au Revoir
We bid farewell to the inspiring & prestigious ‘Spirits of Oxford’ till we meet again to explore its many treasures that the Oxford Walk had eluded us. A more than 900-years old traditional Educational hub –the oldest English speaking centre. A hot spot for filming Harry Potter films, an added excitement to spot the locations and connect!
Writer outside the more modern -look, huge Weston Library- part of Bodleian University containing thousands of books on a hot Summer afternoon