Oxford

The Upper Basin of the river Thames is quite different from the Lower Basin, around which lies the great metropolis of London. In the Upper Basin life has a completely changed pace, altogether quieter and more peaceful. At the centre of the Upper Basin lies the lovely city of dreaming spires, beautiful towers and golden stones Oxford.

All over the world men and women have cause to be grateful for the benefits that education has given them. To use our brains to the limit of their capabilities, to strive to push back the frontiers of knowledge, and to impart the desire to learn to others is a noble ideal and one to which, in one form or another, all seats of learning are dedicated.

Beautiful though the city of Oxford may be, its prime function since the establishment of its first University in the thirteenth century has been, and remains, the dissemination of knowledge. Most of the life of the city centres round the various colleges and all of them have their own individuality despite their close proximity to each other. Christ Church College, for instance, is the largest and the richest, whilst Magdalen is considered the most beautiful.

Books are, of course, an essential part of academic life so it is not really surprising to find one of the most important libraries 'in the world, the Bodleian, here in Oxford. It is named after Sir Thomas Bodley who, in 1598, began its restoration. He also added to it extensively and arranged with the Stationer's Company for the library to be supplied with a copy of every new book published in Britain. This continues to the present day, though it is now a requirement under the Copyright Act of 1911. As may be imagined, the quantity of books has now reached enormous proportions.

The river, or rather rivers, for it is at Oxford that the Thames, or Isis as it is known locally, and the Cherwell meet, add considerably to the beauty of Oxford. The green fields through which the rivers wander, and the willows on the banks hanging over to touch their surfaces, form an ideal setting for the boating and punting that is so much enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The river is also the venue for the much more serious business of the Eights Week races which are held every May. The races differ from many others in that they are a form of 'pursuit' and bumping the boat in front entitles the pursuer to move up a place. After four days of racing the leading crew Wins the 'Head of the River' title.

University students come and go. Some leave to join the ranks of the famous and some are never heard of again. This is the way that life has always been and always will be. Through it all, however, one thing remains constant; the beauty, charm, and of course the renown, of Oxford.

Oxford Hotels

Victoria House Hotel - 29-31 George Street, Oxford, OX1 4BE
Conifers Guest House - 116 The Slade, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DX
Macdonald Eastgate Townhouse - High Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4BE Tel: 0870 400 8201
Macdonald Randolph Hotel - Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2LN Tel: 0870 400 8200
Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel - Abingdon Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4PS Tel: 01865 324324
Malmaison Oxford - New Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1LD Tel: 01865 243846
Holiday Inn Oxford - Peartree Roundabout, Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 8JD Tel: 0870 400 9086
Macdonald Bear Hotel - Park Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1SZ Tel: 0870 400 8202
Hawkwell House Hotel - Church Way, Iffley Village, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 4DZ Tel: 01865 749988
Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel - 66a Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6JP Tel: 01865 512121
Paramount Oxford Hotel - Wolvercote, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 8AL Tel: 01865 489988
Mill House Hotel - Station Road, Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6UH Tel: 01608 658188
Cromwell Lodge Hotel - 9-11 North Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 0TB Tel: 01295 259781
Heythrop Park - Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5UE Tel: 01608 673333