Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (must see)
Christ Church Cathedral holds a unique position as both a college chapel and the cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford. Prior to the 20th century, it was also the smallest cathedral in the United Kingdom.
Its historical roots trace back to before the Norman Conquest when a shrine was constructed on the site in memory of Saint Frideswide, a 7th-century priestess who faced persecution and sought to protect her chastity from King Algar, one of the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms of Saxony.
By 1122, the cathedral became a part of Saint Frideswide Priory. However, in 1520, Cardinal Wolsey seized the buildings and lands to establish Cardinal College. To make room for what is now Tom Quad, five bays in the western part of the nave were demolished. Eventually, King Henry VIII took over and had Christ Church College constructed upon the foundation.
The remainder of the cathedral was built in the Perpendicular or English Gothic style. The eastern part of the nave, the choir, and the tower retained the original Norman appearance.
Notable features include the exquisite rose window in the Botanical style with ten petals around the central glass. Other noteworthy windows are the Becket Window from 1320, which survived the Reformation, and the Jonah Window, depicting the City of Nineveh, created in 1632.
The shrine of Saint Frideswide has been restored and stands before a stunning stained glass window with 16 panels recounting her life. An interesting detail is the 16th panel, which includes a water-closet, a clear indication of its Victorian origin, certainly not present in the 8th century.
The Cathedral Shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, CDs, and other gift items, is located in the 12th-century Chapter House. While perusing the shelves, be sure to admire the vaulted ceiling adorned with 13th-century medallions depicting the Saints.
Its historical roots trace back to before the Norman Conquest when a shrine was constructed on the site in memory of Saint Frideswide, a 7th-century priestess who faced persecution and sought to protect her chastity from King Algar, one of the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms of Saxony.
By 1122, the cathedral became a part of Saint Frideswide Priory. However, in 1520, Cardinal Wolsey seized the buildings and lands to establish Cardinal College. To make room for what is now Tom Quad, five bays in the western part of the nave were demolished. Eventually, King Henry VIII took over and had Christ Church College constructed upon the foundation.
The remainder of the cathedral was built in the Perpendicular or English Gothic style. The eastern part of the nave, the choir, and the tower retained the original Norman appearance.
Notable features include the exquisite rose window in the Botanical style with ten petals around the central glass. Other noteworthy windows are the Becket Window from 1320, which survived the Reformation, and the Jonah Window, depicting the City of Nineveh, created in 1632.
The shrine of Saint Frideswide has been restored and stands before a stunning stained glass window with 16 panels recounting her life. An interesting detail is the 16th panel, which includes a water-closet, a clear indication of its Victorian origin, certainly not present in the 8th century.
The Cathedral Shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, CDs, and other gift items, is located in the 12th-century Chapter House. While perusing the shelves, be sure to admire the vaulted ceiling adorned with 13th-century medallions depicting the Saints.
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Christ Church Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Christ Church Cathedral
Sight Location: Oxford, England (See walking tours in Oxford)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oxford, England (See walking tours in Oxford)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oxford, England
Create Your Own Walk in Oxford
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oxford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colleges of Oxford University
The University of Oxford is the oldest educational institution in England and one of the best in the world. Alma mater for thousands of the most influential people on the planet, it is also a major attraction for architecture and history buffs.
The university represents a "federation" incorporating 38 self-governing colleges and six permanent private halls. Let's take a closer... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The university represents a "federation" incorporating 38 self-governing colleges and six permanent private halls. Let's take a closer... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Harry Potter Walk in Oxford
In addition to its conventional university fame, more recently Oxford has emerged as a major filming location for the magical world of Harry Potter.
The picturesque New College served as the backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter movies. Its cloisters were used as the setting for Hogwarts' interiors, where characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley walked... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
The picturesque New College served as the backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter movies. Its cloisters were used as the setting for Hogwarts' interiors, where characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley walked... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Oxford Introduction Walking Tour
Oxford, a city in central England, has captivated the minds of scholars and travelers for centuries. The name "Oxford" originates from the Old English "Oxenaford," which means "shallow crossing of the oxen." It harks back to the early days (circa 900 AD) when a small settlement established by the Anglo-Saxons served as an important crossing point on the upper reaches... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles