Oxford, England

Oxford
Radcliffe Camera (left) and the "dreaming spires" of All Souls College in the heart of Oxford. Photo © Sacred Destinations.

Oxford is a city of about 135,000 residents in southern England. It is known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," a phrase coined by Matthew Arnold for its beautiful architecture and aspiring student population. Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, many beautiful college chapels, an ancient cathedral and shrine, and many important sites in the history of English Christianity. Notable religious figures such as John Wycliffe, John Wesley, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have called Oxford home, and so has your humble webmaster. Oxford also boasts a number of historic and interesting parish churches, including the fantastic Iffley Church, which has been called the best Romanesque church in England. Follow a link below to explore the fascinating history, architecture and religious sites of the beautiful city of Oxford.

advertisement
Merton College
Founded in 1264, Merton College is the oldest college and its buildings are among the most interesting in Oxford. The large 14th-century chapel has plentiful medieval stained glass.
Church of St Philip and St James Church
This attractive 19th-century parish church now houses the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies. The interior is not accessible without an appointment.
Church of St Giles
This 12th-century parish church just north of Oxford's city center was consecrated by St. Hugh of Lincoln.
Magdalen College
Founded in 1448 and known for its beautiful tower and choral ritual on May Morning, Magdalen College also has many gargoyles, a fine chapel, extensive grounds and associations with C.S. Lewis.
Brasenose College
Founded in 1509 and named for an antique brass knocker of a lion's nose, Brasenose consists of three attractive quads just off Radcliffe Square. Its 17th-century chapel has a splendid painted fan vault.
Church of St Peter-In-The-East (St Edmund Hall Library)
This 12th-century church is now the library for St Edmund Hall. It is surrounded by an ancient churchyard with grand old trees.
University Church of St Mary
The official church of the university, St. Mary's has seen many historic sermons over the centuries and holds regular services today. Climb the tower for spectacular views of the city.
Bodleian Library
This world-famous university library houses several important religious manuscripts and the beautiful, fan-vaulted Divinity School.