There are towns and cities called Oxford all over the place – New
Zealand, the US, Canada and Australia.
There are 20 different states in the US with towns called Oxford. My guess, though is that they were all named
after Oxford, the famous University city in the UK. It is not a huge city which makes it interesting
that so many other places have the same name.
And the origins of the name are pretty humble – it derives from a ford
for oxen ie cattle beasts.
The
greatest thing about Oxford is, of course, its University. This is the oldest university in the English
speaking world – dating back at least to the 12th century.
The
City is nicknamed "The City of Dreaming Spires" after a Matthew
Arnold poem.
Luckily
the city came through WWII relatively unscathed so it is a great place for
seeing original architecture.
And
it has a football team – of sorts.
Oxford is the best college town ever. Everyone looks smart, they ride bikes, lavender blooms everywhere, food is good, buildings are amazing. I would live there in a snap if I could.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I have only ever been to the British Oxford, it is one of my favourite cities in England. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMarianne from Let's Read