Try and get a look at the college gardens, too — this is where Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland
The University of Oxford is among the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Some evidence suggests it was founded as long ago as 1096. The university is made up of 38 distinct colleges, among them Christchurch College, known colloquially as “the house”. Don’t be fooled, though: that makes it sound plain and ordinary, when it is nothing of the sort.
Christ Church actually encompasses Oxford’s cathedral. This stunning building is visited by thousands every year, whether for worship or simply to enjoy the profound calm and sense of history within its walls. The Cathedral is also home to a world famous, 500 year old choir. They sing daily services in the Cathedral, so it’s certainly worth trying to hear them while you are there.
The Great Hall Christchurch has been propelled into the public eye by its starring role in the Harry Potter films. In particular the the Renaissance magnificence of its Great Hall was what inspired the makers of the films. The sight of the hall, with its long, lamplit banquet tables, stern portraits and the elevated dons’ ‘high table’ at the end, is sure to bring back some fond memories.
Alumni, illuminati
Christchurch is one of the largest colleges of the university, with approximately 110 professors and 650 students. The students are all bright young things, but some of the alumni certainly stand out. John Locke, Robert Hooke, John Wesley, William Gladstone, W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll and Rowan Williams are among them. And you may have heard of someone called Albert Einstein, who studied there in the 1930s.
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