Oxford

The history of Oxford dates back to its original settlement in the Saxon period. The name “Oxford” comes from the Old English Oxenaforda, meaning “ford of the oxen,” referring to a shallow crossing in the river where oxen could pass. The town was of strategic significance, because of the ford and the town's controlling location on the upper reaches of the river Thames at its confluence with the river Cherwell. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Norman lord Robert D’Oyly built Oxford Castle in 1071 to secure control of the area. Tensions sometimes erupted between the scholastic community and the town; in 1209, after a townsperson hanged two scholars for an alleged murder, a number of Oxford…

<gallery mode="packed" heights="160px"> File:St Mary's Church, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, UK - Diliff.jpg|The University Church of St Mary the Virgin File:Sheldonian Theatre 2009 LL.jpg|Sheldonian Theatre in 2009 File:Christ Church Cathedral Interior 2, Oxford, UK - Diliff.jpg|Interior of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford File:Oxford Botanic Garden LV 2025.jpg|Oxford Botanic Garden </gallery> This is a small selection of the many notable buildings in Oxford.

The city centre is relatively small and is centred on Carfax, a crossroads which forms the junction of Cornmarket Street (pedestrianised), Queen Street (mainly pedestrianised), St Aldate's and the High Street ("the High"; blocked for through traffic). Cornmarket Street and Queen Street are home to Oxford's chain stores, as well as a small number of independent retailers, one of the longest established was Boswells, founded in 1738. The store closed in 2020. St Aldate's has few shops but several local government buildings, including the town hall, the city police station and local council offices. The High (the word street is traditionally omitted) is the longest of the four streets and has…

Oxford has numerous major tourist attractions, many belonging to the university and colleges. As well as several famous institutions, the town centre is home to Carfax Tower and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, both of which offer views over the spires of the city. Many tourists shop at the historic Covered Market. In the summer, punting on the Isis and Cherwell is a common practice. As well as being a major draw for tourists (9.1 million in 2008, similar in 2009), Oxford city centre has many shops, several theatres and an ice rink. <gallery mode="packed" heights="200px"> File:Carfaxtower fromcornmarket.jpg|Carfax Tower at Carfax, the junction of the High Street, Queen Street,…