Oxford is a favorite destination for tourists looking for a day trip from London or a quiet alternative to the busy metropolis.
The renowned university town attracts thousands of tourists every year due to its associations with modern fantasy, especially Alice in Wonderland and the Harry Potter films.
Oxford University – Best Facts
1. Oxford is known as “the city of dream spiers“, a term coined by the poet Matthew Arnold.
2. Oxford is a city in England. It lies on the river Thames.
3. Some of Oxford’s buildings were built before the 12th century.
4. Oxford was largely saved during the bombings of World War II, making it a particularly interesting city for lovers of old architecture.
5. The motto of Oxford – Dominus Illuminatio Mea or “The Lord is my light” – the opening words of the 27th psalm.
6. Oxford has a broad economic base. Its industries include automotive, education, publishing, and many IT and scientific businesses, some of which are academic departments.
7. Oxford University is about 922 years old, making it the second oldest university in the world.
8. During the World War Oxford was saved from bombing by Germany while other cities in the UK suffered damage. This was because Hitler intended to take over Oxford as his principal city as soon as he conquered Great Britain.
9. The prestige of Oxford was enhanced by a card issued by King Henry II, which provides its residents with the same privileges and benefits as in the capital of the kingdom. Various important religious houses were founded in or around the city.
10. The University Museum of Natural History has the most complete specimens of the Mauritian dodo or dodo, a flightless bird that became extinct in the 17th century. The museum has a mummified bird skull, paws and head bones.
11. The city is famous for its university: Oxford University, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
12. About 150,000 people live in Oxford.
13. Oxford was heavily damaged during the Norman invasion of 1066. After the conquest, the city was handed over to Governor Robert D’Oyly, who ordered the construction of a castle at Oxford to confirm Norman authority over the area.
14. The first colleges in Oxford were built in the 13th century, but it wasn’t until 1878 that women were admitted to the university.
15. Emma Watson, who plays HermioneGranger in the Harry Potter films, went to Oxford School of the Dragon and Headington.
16. Two rivers flow through the city, the Cherwell and the Thames. These two rivers meet south of the city centre.
17. The Great Hall at Christ Church was the inspiration for the dining room at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. The staircase leading to the hall was actually used in several scenes in the films.
18. In terms of university rankings, it ranked first in the world in the World University Rankings for Higher Education 2017 and 2018.
