Oxford: Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes (page 1/3)

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Godstowe

“ Any places of strength in Oxford would command the roads leading to the north and west, and the secure, raised paths that ran through the flooded fens to the ford or bridge, if bridge [...]grand pont, where Folly Bridge now spans the Isis. Somewhere near Oxford, the roads that ran towards Banbury and the north, or towards Bristol and the west, would be obliged to cross the river. The water-way, too, and the paths by the Thames’ side, were commanded by Oxford. The Danes, as they followed up the course of the Thames from London, would be drawn thither, sooner or later, and would covet a place, which is surrounded by half-a-dozen deep natural moats.” (p. 9) [more...] [$]

The Stone Pulpit at Magdalen College.

From a Drawing by A. Brunnet-Debaines. [$]

Castle Street

From an Engraving by A. Brunet-Debaines. [$]

Magdalen Cloisters

The tower is also featured in several paintings by Haslehust’s illustrations of Oxford. [more...] [$]

Bocardo, North Side

The Bocardo, the mediaeval prison in Oxford, shown from the North side; the engraving is signed “S. R.”

The tower here is St. Michael’s church.

“Of Bocardo no trace remains, but St. Michael’s is likely to last as long as any edifice in Oxford. Our illustrations represent it as it was in the last century. The houses huddle up to the church, and hide the lines of the tower. Now it stands out clear, less picturesque than it was in the time of Bocardo prison. Within the last two years the windows have been cleared, and the curious and most archaic pillars, shaped like balustrades, may be examined. It is worth while to climb the tower [more...] [$]