About the Oxford Excursion Walk in London
19th century poet Matthew Arnold described Oxford as, “that sweet city with its dreaming spires.” For centuries, the university, and by proxy, the town in which it is located, has been considered a beacon of learning, imagination and creativity. During the course of our walk through Oxford, we will consider the far-reaching influence the institution has had on modern intellectual thought, religion, politics, art and architecture.
Our starting point will be Christ Church, perhaps the best known of the University's colleges (the self-governing entities that make up the institution).
A discussion of the structured architectural plan of the colleges (including interlocking dormitories, courtyards, dining facilities and chapels) will segue into a reflection on the town's rich and varied architectural culture, which we will explore futher at Sir Christopher Wren's Sheldonian Theatre, the Radcliffe Camera by James Gibbs and even the Malmaison Hotel, a converted 19th century prison. We may e
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19th century poet Matthew Arnold described Oxford as, “that sweet city with its dreaming spires.” For centuries, the university, and by proxy, the town in which it is located, has been considered a beacon of learning, imagination and creativity. During the course of our walk through Oxford, we will consider the far-reaching influence the institution has had on modern intellectual thought, religion, politics, art and architecture.
Our starting point will be Christ Church, perhaps the best known of the University's colleges (the self-governing entities that make up the institution).
A discussion of the structured architectural plan of the colleges (including interlocking dormitories, courtyards, dining facilities and chapels) will segue into a reflection on the town's rich and varied architectural culture, which we will explore futher at Sir Christopher Wren's Sheldonian Theatre, the Radcliffe Camera by James Gibbs and even the Malmaison Hotel, a converted 19th century prison. We may even climb the tower of St Mary's Church, to admire those aforementioned "dreaming spires."
Oxford exudes intellectual activity and scholarly pursuits. Our visits to the colleges will inform our understanding of student life, both past and present. This same student body was the harbinger for intellectual thought resulting in challenges to the status quo, whether that be religious, political or artistic. We will visit memorials that bear witness to important moments in history, including the memorial to the Oxford martyrs of the Reformation, Charles I's Royalist headquarters in Oxford during the English Civil Wars and consider Oxford as a hub of religious change during the Victorian period, illustrated by figures such as Cardinal John Newman, fellow of Oriel College and protagonist of the Oxford Movement.
For those interested in a full day excursion, we can plan a longer itinerary that includes a visit to the Ashmolean Museum and explore the lively Victorian Market. For information regarding this option, please http://www.contexttravel.com/contact-us/.
