Oxford, Christ Church College, Martyrs’ Memorial
The city of Oxford is the home of Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world.  It is known today as “the city of dreaming spires” which refers to its charming architecture.  Today it is a bustling metropolis among the historic museums, churches, and attractive residential areas.  Connected to the University is Christ Church College, the cathedral church of the diocese of Oxford, as well as the largest and most aristocratic college of the University of Oxford.  The Church has starred in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and recently J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. On the corner of campus sits Martyrs’ Memorial, the stone monument that honors the 16th Century Oxford Martyrs, Bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley and the Archbishop Thomas Cranmer.  It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and includes a caption written on the monument that describes the religious strife that took place during that time period.

Fun Facts

• Great Tom, the bell of the cathedral’s tower, is rung 101 times every day at nine P.M. for the 101 original scholars of the college.
• Christ Church College has educated thirteen British Prime Ministers.
• The Oxford Martyrs were tried for heresy in 1555 and then burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs and teachings.
• An urban legend sometimes has Oxford students tricking tourists into thinking that the memorial is part of an underground chapel; offering tours for a price, and directing them to the stairs around the corner which then leads them to the public bathrooms.
• Chirst Church College's main dining hall was the inspiration for the set of Hogwarts 'Great Hall' in Harry Potter.  Christ Church College was also used in 'Goblet of Fire' in a scene involving Malfoy and Professor Moody.

Links

Oxford
Christ Church College
Martyrs' Memorial