ABOUT OXFORD

It was Matthew Arnold who first coined the phrase “the dreaming spires of Oxford”. Even a brief visit to our city will explain his description. The city, although relatively small by many cities’ standards, is significant in our nation and indeed the world.

Obviously our influential university has a global reputation, but Oxford boasts many other cultural “giants”. The Ashmolean Museum would be an example, which is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as being the first museum in the world to be opened to the public; an event which took place in 1683. Other amazing places to visit would be the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodlian Library, Christ Church College, the Carfax Tower – our city is brimming with history and significance.

Oxford’s competitive relationship with Cambridge is well known and best enjoyed through the annual boat race. Many in Oxford also enjoy the fact that the “other university” was founded by Oxford scholars who fled the first of many “town versus gown” riots that erupted in Oxford in 1209 following the murder of a local woman by students.

But as with all cities, the obvious city-centre highlights can inadvertently eclipse the many needs within the suburbs. Oxford can be helpfully described as “two cities”. We have the dreaming spires on one hand and the poor and needy on the other.

As a church Emmanuel is committed to reaching this great city. Both those connected with the university and business and also those who make up the majority; those who work in the factories, shops and office blocks.

There is no doubt that Oxford is a great place to live! The public transport links and services are excellent. The leisure and health facilities are fantastic, with the under 16’s enjoying free swimming at all of the city’s leisure centre pools. There is a range of housing, with the majority of suburban property being 1930’s style semi-detached houses. Many other areas offer a variety of housing styles, particularly within the village communities around the city.

To find out more about our city please visit:

www.oxfordcityguide.com
www.oxfordcity.co.uk
www.oxford.gov.uk