Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Carfax Tower

The Carfax Tower is the center of Oxford. It's name is somehow derived from a French word for "crossroads" (quatre-face). You'll have to take my word for it - doesn't make much sense to me either.  The tower was originally part of a 13th century church. Today it provides a nice 360° view of Oxford.

To be an Oxford student, you must live on the campus of your college, or within six miles of this tower.

 
Maria and Robin climb the tower. This is the middle section of three flights of spiral stairs, some of them stone.

Looking towards Christ Church from the tower. From here you can often see Hogwarts students engaged in games of quidditch.

Maria looks over Oxford. The square tower in the background is Merton College, one of the three oldest colleges here. Robin studied there during two different summer semesters. Or at least that's what she said. After being here myself, I'm wondering why all the pub bartenders know her. Just kidding. 

Gotta have at least one photo like this. At least we're not planking or Tebowing.

The round dome in the background is The Camera, a former library that now serves as reading rooms for the Bodleian Library.


Looking down on the High. The street in the foreground is Cornmarket, a popular pedestrian street. Most English towns have a High Street, similar to Main Street in America. But only in Oxford is High Street called "the High." 

Providing information you never knew you needed. That's my mission statement.