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Oxford
Oxford's Civil War: Colleges & Key Sites Tour
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Overview
Oxford Civil War History Tour: Discover Colleges and Key Places. This walking tour takes you back in time to when Oxford played a big part in the British Civil War. See where important events happened and learn about the people who shaped history. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to understand how the war affected Oxford and Britain.
Get ready to explore famous spots like New College, where the king's army stored weapons. Visit the beautiful Canterbury Quadrangle at St John's College, built by Archbishop Laud, whose religious ideas helped start the war. You'll also see monuments that remember the war. The tour also goes to Merton College and Wadham College, where people began to think about science in new ways. Stop by Queen’s Lane Coffee House, where people talked about politics. If you want, you can end your day with a peaceful evensong service at Christ Church Cathedral.
This tour includes entry to the Divinity School, part of the Bodleian Library, and several Oxford University colleges. A personal guide will lead the way. Please note that a visit inside Christ Church College is not included. The tour visits key locations like New College, Wadham College, Trinity College Gates, the Clarendon Building, the Divinity School & Old Schools Quadrangle, the Ashmolean Museum, St John's College, Jesus College, Merton and Corpus Christi Colleges, Queen's Lane Coffee House, and Christ Church Cathedral. 
Highlights
Walk through history: Explore Oxford's Civil War past with a knowledgeable guide.
See famous colleges: Visit New College, Merton College, and more.
Learn about the war: Understand the causes and effects of the British Civil War in Oxford.
Optional evensong: Attend a beautiful evensong service at Christ Church Cathedral (optional).
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the tour for its historical insights and knowledgeable guide, though some desired more access to specific sites.
Customers enjoyed learning about Oxford's history and seeing the old buildings.
The guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour interesting.
Many visitors liked the small group size, which made it easier to ask questions.
The option to attend evensong at Christ Church Cathedral was a highlight for many.
Some visitors wished they could have seen more inside Christ Church College.
A few people felt the tour could have included more information about daily life during the Civil War.
The Journey
New College
Discover New College, a bastion of history that served as a royalist arsenal during the Civil War. Wander through its stunning front quadrangle, chapel, and garden, where you'll find the best-preserved section of the medieval city walls and a Civil War-era mound. Don't miss the cloister and medieval bell tower, which famously doubled as Hogwarts in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' where Mad-Eye Moody worked his magical mischief.
Wadham College
Explore Wadham College, the birthplace of the Royal Society. During the Commonwealth years, this college was home to groundbreaking scientific research. If open, visit the chapel and marvel at the exquisite stained glass window by Bernard van Linge. This masterpiece exemplifies the 'Beauty of Holiness' movement led by Charles I, which sparked controversy among his puritan opponents.
Trinity College Gates
Behold the iconic Stuart Gates of Trinity College and uncover the captivating legend behind them. Admire the contemporary artwork designed by sculptor Anthony Gormley and poet laureate Simon Armitage nearby. Reflect upon Laurence Binyon's poignant poem, 'For the Fallen,' a touching tribute to remembrance, echoing through the ages.
Clarendon Building
Marvel at Nicholas Hawksmoor's monumental Clarendon Building, the administrative heart of the Bodleian Library. Originally built for the Oxford University Press, discover how Hyde’s 'History of the British Civil Wars' became a publishing sensation, funding the University of Oxford from the 18th century to this day.
Divinity School & Old Schools Quadrangle
Explore the historic Old Schools Quadrangle and visit the Divinity School, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Learn how Thomas Bodley rescued and endowed the old university library. Hear intriguing tales of Charles I's failed attempt to borrow a book and discover why Oliver Cromwell is honored among the library's benefactors. Discover also how the British parliament met in Oxford during pivotal years of the 17th century.
Ashmolean Museum
Visit the Ashmolean Museum and delve into Oxford's role during the Civil War, when it housed royal mints producing coins for royalist soldiers. See exquisite examples of these coins, including the Oxford Crown. Learn about the colleges' contributions to the royalist cause and view Oliver Cromwell's death mask and Guy Fawkes' lantern—artifacts that spark contemplation on alternative historical paths.
St John's College
Explore St John's College, home to the Canterbury Quad, Oxford's first classical quadrangle, conceived by William Laud, whose religious policies ignited the Civil War tensions. Wander through the front quadrangle, visit the chapel where Laud is buried, and enjoy the serene college gardens, reflecting on the legacy of this influential figure.
Jesus College
Discover Jesus College, a small college founded in 1571. Hear about the college's experiences during the Civil War and the story of a prominent royalist who spent his final days within its walls. Admire the dining hall portraits of Elizabeth I, Charles I, and Charles II, and learn about Leoline Jenkins, the college's 'second founder,' who generously endowed it after the restoration.
Merton and Corpus Christi Colleges
Visit Merton College, one of Oxford's oldest colleges, where Queen Henrietta Maria resided during her time in Oxford. Nearby, if open, explore Corpus Christi College, where you can view the King's Door and learn about the quirky annual tortoise fair and race, a unique Oxford tradition.
Queen's Lane Coffee House
Step into the Queen's Lane Coffee House, one of Britain's earliest coffee houses, established during the Commonwealth in the 1650s. Learn how the rise of coffee houses and newspapers revolutionized British political and intellectual life, shaping the course of the 17th century.
Christ Church Cathedral
Optionally conclude your tour with a visit to Christ Church Cathedral for Evensong, a moving service that begins at 6 pm. During term time, be captivated by the renowned Christ Church Cathedral Choir. Meet under Tom Tower at 5.45 pm to walk through Tom Quad to the Cathedral and enjoy this beautiful choral tradition. Note that Charles I and the Royalist government were based at Christ Church College during the Civil War.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entry to the Divinity School and several colleges of Oxford University (see the itinerary for details). A personal guide will lead the tour. It does not include a visit to Christ Church College. You can optionally attend evensong at Christ Church Cathedral after the tour. Make sure you are at the meeting point which is at the designated starting location.
Hot Tip
Many visitors recommend attending the evensong service at Christ Church Cathedral after the tour for a peaceful and memorable experience. Check the evensong schedule in advance to plan your visit.
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