Christ Church College Oxford

A view through the archway of the spire and immaculate lawns in the Christ Church College quadrangle in the City of Oxford.... more

by Terri Waters

Title

Christ Church College Oxford

Artist

Terri Waters

Medium

Photograph

Description

A view through the archway of the spire and immaculate lawns in the Christ Church College quadrangle in the City of Oxford.
Christ Church is a unique institution, one of the largest colleges in the University of Oxford and the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford. It has a world famous Cathedral Choir, scholarly collections of books and art and is enjoyed by many people as visitors or guests at conferences and Summer schools. It has a fascinating history and many distinguished people have studied within it's walls.
Christ Church was originally founded by Cardinal Wolsey as Cardinal's College in 1524. The college buildings took over the site of St. Frideswide's Monastery, which was suppressed by Wolsey to fund his college
The monastery dated back to the earliest days of Oxford as a settlement in the 9th Century AD. When Wolsey fell from power in 1529 the College became property of King Henry VIII. Henry re-founded the College in 1546 and appointed the old monastery church as cathedral of the new diocese of Oxford. The new institution of cathedral and university college was named Aedes Christi, which is rendered in English as Christ Church. It is due to its ecclesiastical function that Christ Church's principal, the Dean, is always a clergyman.

Many of the scenes in the Harry Potter feature films are shot in various locations of the College and The Great Hall was replicated in the film studios to create Hogwart's Hall.
As Harry and the new first-years enter Hogwarts they are greeted by Professor McGonagall. This scene was shot on the 16th century staircase which leads up to the Great Hall.

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years.
Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. Still with its ancient University, but home also to a growing hi-tech community. Many businesses are located in and around the town, whether on one of the Science and Business Parks or within one of a number of residential areas.
With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty for both the tourist and resident to do. Whether its visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shopping till you drop, Oxford has something for everyone.

Uploaded

January 29th, 2013