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| St Edmund Hall | St Mary the Virgin | Sheldonian Theatre |



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St Edmund Hall


St Edmund Hall, located at the eastern end of the High Street, is also well worth a visit.

Dating from 1190, it was originally an academic establishment, founded by St Edmund of Abingdon. This makes it the oldest academic building in the whole of the city, quite a claim in a town such as Oxford!

Most famously this is where the 19th century Mohawk chief Oronhyatekha studied in 1860s.

Inside the hall there are some excellent pieces of art, including works by pre-Raphaelite artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.


Oxford University



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St Mary the Virgin


The pretty Church of St Mary the Virgin, located just off the High Street, is Oxford's main church.

It is also a central feature of Oxford University, for it was here that the first University meetings were held way back in the 12th century. And this is also where the University's first libray was established.

The Church itself dates from the 13th century, and is most famous for its elegant spire, some parts of which are still original.

Today you can climb to the top of the church tower to get some excellent views across the city, but the climb is steep and so only for the energetic!

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Entry to the church is free but there is an admission charge of around £1.50 if you want to climb the tower.




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Sheldonian Theatre


The Sheldonian Theatre, located just off Broad Street, is one of the most famous buildings in Oxford.

It is notable in the first instance in that it was the first building to be designed by famed architect Christopher Wren, when he was just 30 years old. It is named after the then Chancellor of the University, Gilbert Sheldon, who comissioned the building.

But it is also significant in that this is the place that Oxford University's Encaenia ceremony - the occassion when students are awarded their degrees - is held each year.

For the rest of the year the Sheldonian Theatre is used for everyday University functions, for example ordinary lectures, and occassionally for concerts.

As well as viewing the impressive, plush intererior of the Sheldonian Theatre, once inside you can also climb up to the cupola on the roof for some excellent views over the city.

The Sheldonian Theatre is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Admission costs around £1 for adults.




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