Inside Tour: University of Oxford | Vox Vrinda

Summary

In this video, Rinda takes viewers on a tour of Oxford, UK, highlighting its rich history and educational significance. She discusses the University Church's unique legal status as the city's tallest building, the literary inspiration behind the 'dreaming spires,' and the Bodleian Library's extensive collection. The tour also touches on the city's social issues, protests, and modern challenges, while showcasing Oxford's blend of historical grandeur and contemporary life.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The University of Oxford is named after the city, which is part of Oxfordshire, and the city is known for its historical significance and educational prestige.
• 💡 The University Church of the Virgin Mary, built as the tallest building in Oxford, has a legal decree ensuring no other building will surpass its height.
• 📚 Oxford is often described as the 'city of dreaming spires', a term coined by poet Matthew Arnold, reflecting its architectural beauty and academic spirit.
• 📖 The Bodleian Library is a legal deposit library, housing over 13 million books, including rare manuscripts and the first folio of Shakespeare.
• 🎓 The history of women at Oxford is relatively recent, with women only being allowed to enter the university in 1879 and male colleges opening to women in the 1970s.
• 🏛️ Christ Church College, one of the oldest and most famous for its Harry Potter associations, was established by Henry VII in response to the English Reformation.
• 🌍 The script mentions contemporary issues, such as student protests at the Ratcliff Camera concerning the University's funding and its ties to political conflicts.
• 🗝️ The script discusses the historical and cultural identity of Oxford, including its colonial past and the impact of wealth from exploitation on the city's development.
• 🎨 Oxford is portrayed as a city rich in history, literature, and academia, but also as a place with social issues like homelessness and demographic fragmentation.
• 🛍️ The city has a vibrant tourist culture, with markets, souvenir shops, and attractions related to its history, including sites from the Harry Potter films.
• 🏙️ The name 'Oxford' originates from the Old Saxon word for 'ford of the ox', reflecting the city's geographical features and historical pastoral significance.

Q & A

Why is Rinda in the UK and what is the purpose of her visit?

Rinda is in the UK for a study break and she is using this opportunity to explore and show the places she visits in the UK.

What is the significance of the University Church of the Virgin Mary in Oxford?

The University Church of the Virgin Mary is historically significant as it was the tallest building in Oxford when it was built, and by legal decree, no building in Oxford will ever be taller than this church.

What is the meaning behind the term 'dreaming spires' used by poet Matthew Arnold to describe Oxford?

The term 'dreaming spires' refers to the architectural beauty and historical significance of the buildings in Oxford, which are a source of pride for the city and its residents.

What is the Ratliff Camera and its connection to the Bodelian Library?

The Ratliff Camera is a reading room of the Bodelian Library, built in the 1700s. It is one of the principal units of the library and is named after its function as a 'camera' or room.

Why are there blue curtains around the Ratcliff Camera?

The blue curtains around the Ratcliff Camera were put up in response to student protests against the University of Oxford's alleged funding ties to Israeli actions in Gaza.

What is the history behind Duke Humphrey's donation to the library?

Duke Humphrey donated 281 manuscripts to the library in 1447, which was a significant contribution at the time as there were only 20 books in Oxford. This donation led to the establishment of a reading room that still exists today.

What famous literary door in Oxford inspired the Narnia series?

The door at the entrance to the Bodelian Library inspired the Narnia series, as the author, who was a professor at Oxford, used the door as a basis for the wardrobe in the stories.

What is the significance of the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford's history?

The Sheldonian Theatre, established in the 1600s, was named after a chancellor of the University. Although called a theatre, it was not used for plays until the 1950s and served other functions, including academic ceremonies.

How has the history of women in Oxford evolved?

Women were not allowed to enter the University of Oxford until the 1870s, with the opening of Lady Margaret Hall and Somerville College. It wasn't until 1974 that male colleges began to admit women, indicating a relatively recent history of women's presence in Oxford.

What is the origin of the name 'Oxford' and its connection to the city's landscape?

The name 'Oxford' comes from an old Saxon word meaning 'ford of the ox', referring to the shallow waters where oxen could cross the rivers that crisscross the city, the Chell and the Thames.

What is the significance of the ox sculptures found throughout the city of Oxford?

The ox sculptures are a nod to the city's name and history, representing the pastoral culture and the ease with which oxen could cross the rivers in the area. They are a common sight and are also sold as souvenirs.