Oxford

Yesterday found us in Oxford, the venerable university city located about 50 miles northwest of London.  We were awe-struck by the beauty of this place!

The University of Oxford, oldest in the English-speaking world (established around 1096), is comprised of 39 colleges.  Notable former students include Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, C. S. Lewis, Iris Murdoch, and T. E. Lawrence.    

Radcliffe Camera, the iconic domed Palladian-style library
in Radcliffe Square.  Camera is latin for "room". 
All Souls College is on the right.

Bridge of Sighs

University Church of St. Mary

We had lunch at Pieminster, a "pie & mash" joint. 

The Covered Market, artisan stores in a 1770's bazaar.

The High Street

Magdalen College

All Souls College

The Sheldonian Theatre

Blackwell's Bookshop

The High Street, long ago

We stopped at the Kings Arms for coffee and an apple crumble.

Broad Street

Merton College

The River Cherwell

Oxford Botanic Garden

Jewel Tower

Jewel Tower, built in 1365 as a repository of royal treasure, is part of the remains of the medieval Palace of Westminster, residence of Kings & Queens from the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-66) to 1512.  From here we skirted the Thames to Whitehall Gardens and then turned inland to Soho.

George V, by Westminster Abbey's Lady Chapel

Vaulted ceiling in Jewel Tower

Tower stairs

Jewel Tower.  Westminster Abbey at right.

Home of Sir John Gielgud in Westminster.

Great College Street, Westminster

Parliament's Victoria Tower peeking thru.

St. John's, a baroque church converted to a concert hall.

Whitehall Gardens

We stopped for a treat at La Roche Cafe, just up
from St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Apple Strudel and Apple Pie

Alfresco dining on Old Compton Street in Soho