Strolling around Oxford - A photo blog

The library In which I'm doing research in Oxford wasn't staffed today, so I had a free day to explore. The rainy morning gave way to a sunny afternoon, so I just took a stroll. These are the photos:

This is along Queen Street, one of the busier areas of the town center.

Wanting to get away from the crowded street, I ducked down a little alley called Catte Street and found myself in front of the Radcliffe Camera. The Radcliffe was built in the early 18th century and was originally a library. It is now a reading room for the Old Bodleian Library.

This is Brasenose College, which sits west of the Radcliffe in Radcliffe Square. What we know as Oxford University is a collection of colleges throughout the city. It's not a single campus of learning. Brasenose was founded in 1509.

This is Old Souls College, which is on the opposite side of the Radcliffe from Brasenose.

The beautiful 13th century tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, which sits north of Radcliffe Camera.

The tower from a different angle.

The detailed decorations on the buildings are stunning to my eyes. This is a close-up of  the tower. Look at the gargoyles! Love it!

Just a picturesque walkway off of Radcliffe Square.

This fellow caught my eye.

An interesting tower in All Souls College.

One of the ceiling medallions adorning the entranceway into the Old Bodleian library.

The Old Bodleian. This library was opened in 1602.

This is the Bridge of Sighs, a skyway that connects two buildings within Hertford College. It was named after the famous bridge in Venice, but it is styled after another Venetian bridge, the Rialto. It was built in 1913.

The entrance to Brasenose College. The college was closed to the public this day. I took the photo because I thought the door was beautiful.

An Oxford street. So much of the area is so picturesque. I love the old architecture.

The entrance to Ballilol College. It was open, but I figured I could visit another day.

A zoomed in shot. Yes that sign says 750 years. Ballilol College was established in 1263 and is the oldest college in Oxford.

Another Oxford street.

Another awesome door. I think those coats of arms belong to a couple of the Oxford colleges.

So charming.

The entrance to the Museum of Science, which is to the right behind the blue construction barrier. It was established in 1683 and was the world's first purpose-built museum. It was originally the Ashmolean Museum, but when that museum moved to its current location, the old site became the science museum. Admission was free so I had a look around. It had a lot of different scientific instruments, like astrolabes and early adding machines. The building in the background is university's Sheldonian Theatre, a ceremonial hall and music venue. It was designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1669. The busts are called the emperors. Thirteen busts were put in place around the Sheldonian. When the museum opened, four more were added.

The stained glass windows that are within the museum's staircase.

The building on the right is the museum. The rounded one on the left is the Sheldonian.

You could see this statue in the first photo I posted of the science museum and theatre. 

More exquisite details on the theatre. Have a close look at the engraving of armor on the left. It has nipples!

Another view that caught my eye.

The Old Bodleian is to the right. That's the Bridge of Sighs center.

The entrance to the Old Bodleian again. This time I was on my way out.

I'm loving the gargoyles, downspouts, and other engravings on the Oxford buildings.

Here's a full view of St. Mary's.

A gate into All Souls College. Isn't it beautiful? This college was established in 1438.

I'm back on Queen Street. Here's a pub sign you don't come across very often. When I told Steve about it, he guessed the pub's name right away. Can you?

So pretty, don't you think? I'm heading toward my bus stop at this point.

I took a quick stroll through the gardens of Christ Church College on my way to the bus stop. Besides being one of the largest colleges within Oxford University, Christ Church is also the cathedral for the diocese of Oxford. It was established in 1546.

The outer wall of Christ Church nearest the meadow (that is not in the picture).

The garden as I headed back the way I came.

The final photo of the day as I was about to leave the garden.

I had a lovely time strolling around the city today. With any luck, the weather will be good over the weekend and I will be able to explore some more.