Oxford tourist information is plentiful, which is a good thing seeing as it is one of the most popular destinations for travellers outside of London. More than 9 million tourists come to Oxford every year to see the world famous university and the other major sights located in the city.
Oxford has been inhabited since at least Saxon times when it was known as "Oxenaforda" or "Ford of the Ox".
A nunnery dedicated to St. Frideswide was established here in the 8th century, and the city got its formal charter from King Henry II in 1191. The first mention of Oxford University (pictured) was in the 12th century and it has grown to become one of the most famous universities in the world.
A popular destination in Oxford is the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Its tower has a wonderful view of the surrounding city for anyone brave enough to climb 124 steps to the top. From those heights you can get a very good view of Radcliffe Camera, the iconic building with a circular dome and structure that is unique and lovely.
The Radcliffe Camera is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library and is not open to the public.
The Bodleian Library began in 1602 as a 2,000 book collection belonging to Thomas Bodley, and now it holds more than 9 million books, 176 kilometres of shelving, and has a capacity of 2,500 visitors. This is a working library and part of the University of Oxford system, so no books may leave the premises, and the Divinity School and exhibition room are open to the public.
As one might expect, books are a major part of Oxford. The Clarendon Building is located close to the Bodleian Library and was once the long time home of the famed Oxford University Press.
Another great place for book lovers is Blackwell's Bookstore on Broad Street in Oxford. It is an enormous bookstore and home of the cavernous Norrington Room that measures 10,000 square feet.
Oxford tourist information claims this is the largest single room devoted to book selling in the world.
Photo courtesy: MuntyPix
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