I have also spent a fabulous few days in Oxford with hubby. It was a bit of a spur of the moment thing after we had been visiting family and we decided to detour for a couple of days. I have only visited this lovely city once before, and that was for about two hours in the freezing cold, so I have been wanting to go back for a longer visit for ages.
It is full of all sorts of history, and some amazing building and architecture . . .
A couple of pictures taken around the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The eagle eyed amongst you may recognise just a glimpse of a Harry Potter movie set. Whilst some filming did take place here, the films were so successful, purpose built sets were later used as it was much less restrictive.
Hertford Bridge (often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs due to its similarity to the Venetian bridge).
Blenheim Palace (just a few miles outside Oxford). Home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winstan Churchill.
And some famous literary haunts . . .
The Eagle and Child public house was a frequent meeting place for an Oxford writing group called The Inklings, whose members included none other than C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien! We had lunch here so I could soak up some writerly vibes!
Not the best photo but the quote reads :
"My happiest hours are spent with 3 or 4 old friends in old clothes tramping together and putting up in small pubs." C.S. Lewis
A couple of other notable literary connections include, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-1898) better known as Lewis Carroll author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and the sequel, Through the Looking-Glass (1872). He came to Oxford as an undergraduate student and later became a tutor. He remained there for the rest of his life.
Philip Pullman, award wining author of the His Dark Materials Trilogy, (The Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass) studied and made his home in the area. The Northern Lights was made into the film, The Golden Compass.
Just a few names here, but I could go on!
I have recently treated myself to this . . .
I fell in love with this cute bag!
This post is part of the weekly celebrations hop.
L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge
Tonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
Happy weekend
Glad you had fun in Oxford! How cool that so many well-known authors are connected to that area..
ReplyDeleteIt is, Heather. Thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! I love these places, I wish I could go there! What great history. I couldn't imagine living where Churchill was born. And to be in a pub where Lewis and Tolkien gathered is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great couple of days, Cathrina!
DeleteTypewriter purse - funny!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Oxford. So many cool old buildings and colleges. Didn't see the Eagle and Child though.
I thought it was kind of fun for a writer!
DeleteThat's wonderful! I love all the pics and love the thought of being surrounded by all that history. (Yes, we have a bit of history down here too, but yours is more fun and definitely cooler! lol)
ReplyDeleteYes I love the history too. Amazing to think you have walked the same places as some of the greats.
DeleteI once did a summer course at Mansfield College in Oxford. What a loverly place.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that must have been great.
DeleteThe building sure look amazing indeed.
ReplyDelete*buildings
DeleteThanks Pat!
DeleteThe perfect place for an author to visit. I want that cute bag :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great place. Thanks for the visit, Sharon.
DeleteLove the bag and Oxford will go on my bucket list of places to see. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne, Happy weekend to you too.
DeleteThat bag is adorable! It looks like you had a great time, such beautiful pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Laura.
DeleteWhat great pics! Looks like you had a nice time. And the bag is cute...clever!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great trip. And I love the bag.
ReplyDeleteHello, my lovely human friend, Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteAh yes, that time of the year, indeed! My human, Gary, has spent a most enjoyable time in Oxford. He sort of recalls being in an Oxford pub with a bunch of university students on a Friday night.
That's a nice "type" of bag you've got there...
Have a pawesome weekend, Suzanne.
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses,
Penny xx
And hello to you too, my doggy friend, Penny. Thanks for stopping by and for your pawsitive wishes :)
Delete