Thursday Sept 5th A day in Oxford

Ah...I think we're in England. Walked to the main campus in a light rain with umbrella in hand. Stopped at the Weston library foyer and cafe before our 11: 00 walking tour of campuses and city.

Under umbrellas and in rain coats we followed Juliet around the city and thru a couple of colleges. My pictures are of a variety spots and when I get home I'll label them accurately. But for now just enjoy.

We did learn that Oxford University is made up of 43 "colleges". An applicant applies to Oxford University, then if accepted applies for the college they're interested in. The various colleges aren't subject specific. You might choose one because of its history or a family member went there. Sixty percent of the undergrads are from the UK. Ninety percent of the grads (master and PhDs) are international. The university was initially male only and from only private secondary schools. But the rules have changed over the years (though one didn't go co-ed until 1985). Of course many famous people have attended or taught at Oxford. Bill Clinton, TS Eliot, Dorothy Sayers, Tony Blair all attended Oxford. Both C S Lewis and Tolkein taught at Oxford at the same time.

Behind this door is where CS Lewis worked when writing the Chronicles of Narnia. Notice Mr Tumnus on the side of the door.

We also stopped inside the Divinity school, part of the Bodleian library (where we visited last night.) This room was where they filmed the infirmary scene in Harry Potter (Harrys arm bone had to be regrown) By the way the divinity school has nothing to do with a divinity degree. It was one of the earliest built sections of the library.

Went back to our room for a rest; just in time too. A rain and thunderstorm came through. Everything cleared up by the time we headed to Evensong at Christ Church. Founded in 1546 Christ Church is both a college of Oxford University and the Cathedral church of the diocese of Oxford. Choral Evensong follows the book of Common Prayer. Tonight's service included the singing of Psalms 27, 28 and 29.

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