Cheers from Oxford England! Oxford is a little over an hour from Heathrow Airport in London. Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford’s alumni includes 30 international leaders, 28 British Prime Ministers, 160 Olympic medal winners, 50 Nobel Prize winners, 47 Nobel Laureates, 11 saints, along with renowned writers, scientists, and actors.
Because the city of Oxford is full of amazing architecture, it is called the city of dreaming spires. Spend days enjoying the rich history in their many museums and 39 colleges, many open to self-tours. But, if relaxation is needed, take cream tea while a student punts you along the River Cherwell. Schedule a guided walking tour of Harry Potter filming sites.
Encouraged by Faith
Back in 1933, in his rooms at Magdalen College, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, with a few other friends, began meeting to encourage and critique each other’s literary works. They called themselves The Inklings and frequently met at The Eagle and Child pub. Visit the pub and get inspired.
Tolkien and Lewis became friends in 1926. Lewis was an atheist but credits Tolkien with convincing him of the validity of Christianity. Lewis became one of the most influential Christian writers of our time, and began a war-time radio broadcast in 1941. After that, the broadcasts became the book Mere Christianity. Lewis wrote the Chronicles of Narnia series in 1950 through1956. Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series published from 1937 to 1955.
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
— J. R. R. Tolkien
So, have a wander along Addison’s walk on the grounds of Magdalen College. A favorite footpath of Lewis and Tolkien, it winds around a beautiful, small island in the River Cherwell. In a poem by Lewis, What the Bird Said Early in the Year, it is believed he was describing his acceptance of Christ, because Tolkien had convinced him on one of these evening walks. See lovely photos of the area and read the poem here.
Similarly, another notable author influenced by his time in Oxford was Lewis Carroll. By his given name, Charles Dodgson, he was a Deacon of Christchurch College where he taught mathematics and logic. Under the pen name Carroll, he wrote Alice in Wonderland, basing the character of Alice after one daughter of Henry George Liddell, Dean of Christchurch.
Above all, there is never a lack of interesting history and beauty in Oxford! Here are a couple of links to help plan a tour: https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/england/central-england/oxford and https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england/oxford
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15 NLT
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