Oxford (a university, Thames walks and Morse!)
Oxfordshire is a fairly large affluent county, home to part of the Chiltern hills, the Thames path and more ancient buildings than anywhere.
It’s thought that Hitler did not bomb Oxford, as he admired the architecture and intellectual history. And wanted to make it his capital, if he had won the Second World War. He apparently liked the area around Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill grew up).
Others say it was simply due to Oxford lacking industrial or heavy military targets. Some even say it was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ for sparing German counterparts.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
The Cotswolds, Chilterns and surrounding towns
The Cotswolds and Chilterns Part of The Cotswolds (England’s largest National Landscape) is in Oxfordshire, including the towns of Witney (a thriving market town with a history of making blankets) and Burford (home to many antique shops).
Thame is a lovely old-fashioned town at the foot of the Chiltern Hills (often used for filming Midsomer Murders).
Morse fans will recognise the name of Woodstock, just north of Oxford. And nearby is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. No matter if you are not political, take this lovely virtual walking tour with fitness trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read, who walks you through the lovely grounds, with a few lunges in between!
Oxford University (one of the world’s oldest)
Founded in the 12 century, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world (a few worldwide are older, including Bologna and Morocco). The skyline is known for its honey-coloured spires and domes, with the Radcliffe Camera (a library) one of the most photographed and painted buildings.
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 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.
In 1877, the only only dead heat occurred (there were rumours however that the judge had fallen asleep!) As of today, Cambridge leads the winnings for both the men’s and women’s races. One former rower for Oxford was TV presenter Dan Snow (for Oxford, now an ambassador for electoral reform).
In 1912 (strangely the same year the Titanic also sank) , both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. In 1978, Cambridge’s boat sank and again in 1984 (after hitting a barge before the race had even started).
VERO (Oxford boffins against animal research)
One of the hidden horrors of England is the amount of innocent animals that are tortured in the name of ‘medical research’ still, despite there being plenty of alternatives.
Most of us giving the emotional arguments are ignored. But VERO is a group of Oxford boffins, who give scientific arguments to switch research and donations to humane medical research. Much of which could be carried out at Oxford university, which presently uses animals (as does the Open University).
The highest percentage of published authors
More published writers have graduated from Oxford, than anywhere else on earth. These include C S Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest), Paul Kingsnorth (Against the Machine), Graham Greene (Brighton Rock) and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Actors who graduated from Oxford include Rosamund Pike, Hugh Grant, Hugh Dancy, Michael Palin, Sally Phillips, Dudley Moore and Claire Foy.
Independent Oxford (championing local business)
Independent Oxford is a local organisation that champions independent shops and businesses, via online listings and an app for those who prefer to shop at them. The directory shows that there is nearly always an independent alternative to choose, over big chains and supermarkets.
Run an indie shop? Many seeds, flowers, plants (and plantable cards) are toxic to pets, so learn what not to sell to households with pets.
Local independent shops can apply for membership. This costs around £20 per month (plus a £50 set-up fee). And includes a directly listing to reach 20,000 monthly readers, unlimited event listings, invitations to attend regular meet-ups and a members-only newsletter to hear the latest community news.
Supporting indie shops in Oxford helps to keep money circulating in communities. For every £5 or £10 you spend each week at an independent shop, this brings collectively billions back into the local economy over a year.
This is because local businesses use local suppliers, pay local taxes, use local signwriters, and tend to eat and drink locally too. Profits go to shop owners, not to shareholders and companies abroad.
The History of 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.
In 1877, the only only dead heat occurred (there were rumours however that the judge had fallen asleep!) As of today, Cambridge leads the winnings for both the men’s and women’s races.
One former Cambridge rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team lost, after clashing oars! And in 2019, James Cracknell recently became the oldest person to win with his team at 46, after suffering severe injuries in a cycling accident.
One former rower for Oxford was TV presenter Dan Snow (for Oxford, now an ambassador for electoral reform).
In 1912 (strangely the same year the Titanic also sank) , both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. In 1978, Cambridge’s boat sank and again in 1984 (after hitting a barge before the race had even started).
The lasting appeal of Chief Inspector Morse
Inspector Endeavour Morse, created by novelist Colin Dexter (who like Alfred Hitchcock, always made a silent cameo appearance in each episode), was an Oxford-based fictional detective, known for his intelligence and quirks.
The character was born into a Quaker family (hence his Endeavour – Quakers often call their children after aspirational qualities – Hope, Faith, Charity etc). He was the most popular TV detective in the 1990s.
Morse loved opera, beer and crossword puzzles, and used his brain to solve crimes. He never marries, but is a hopeless romantic.
Handsome John Thaw looked older than he was due to his white hair (he was 44 when filming began, and only 60 when he died). When the series ended, John refused the offer of the famed red Jaguar, saying ‘it was too slow and terrible to drive!’
Once upon a time, we solved crime with a brain and a notebook. These days it’s pie charts and a notebook. The romance is gone. Chief Inspector Morse
