Oxford and Cambridge (two of England’s oldest universities)
Oxford, Holly Astle
England has over 100 universities, and two of the oldest are Oxford and Cambridge (they are not always the ‘best’, others like Durham have just as high a standard academically.
We also have to be careful here to avoid ‘education snobbery’. A well-qualified plumber who goes to a technical college, it could be argued is more useful than someone studying media studies at a top university!
The Ancient University City of Oxford
Founded in the 12 century, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world (a few worldwide are older, including Bologna and one in Morocco). The skyline of this city is known for its honey-coloured spires and domes, with the Radcliffe Camera (a library) one of the most photographed and painted buildings.
There is controversy over animal testing at the university. VERO is made up of Oxford boffins, who give the scientific arguments to switch to humane medical research.
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race began in 1829, covering a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames, from Putney and Mortlake in London. Each boat has 8 rowers and a coxswain, who steers the boat and sets the race plan.
Over the years, there have been dead heats. In 1912, both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars!
The Ancient University City of Cambridge
Cambridge is arguably a ‘prettier city’ than Oxford, although both are known for their ancient universities. Cambridge is situated on the River Cam, and is home to 31 colleges, a few hidden behind old walls.
The 33 acres of land at Jesus College alone, is home to muntjac deer, sparrowhawks and endangered water voles.
Some of the best known are King’s College (known for its beautiful chapel and choir who perform Christmas carols on TV each year) and Trinity College (this is like a small town with huge courtyards, and holds the personal notebooks of Isaac Newton, a studied who discovered the laws of gravitation).
Other well-known Cambridge University graduates include A.A. Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh), Bill Oddie (former Goodie and lover of wild birds) and national treasure Sir David Attenborough.
