Oxford Colleges, Chapels & Cathedral Tour

USL was pleased to sponsor and attend the “Oxford Colleges, Chapels & Cathedral tour” on Thursday 19 June, organised by the National Churches Trust. This day included the fascinating exploration of Christ Church Cathedral and Merton College Chapel, one of the finest mechanical action organs in the UK. We were treated a stunning tour, lunch in the Christ Church Chapter House, organ recital by David Ponsford and choral evensong.

Big thank you to the organiser Lydia McCutcheon, NCT and to the volunteers from the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral.

Church Link: https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral

Did you know?

Christ Church cathedral, was founded as a convent by St Frideswide in the 8th century, but the oldest parts of the church date from the 12th century, when it was place of pilgrimage.

Facts for booklovers:

Christ Church has a strong connection to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The author, Charles Dodgson, was a mathematics tutor there, and the Liddell family, whose daughter Alice inspired the story, resided at Christ Church. Many elements within Christ Church are believed to have inspired aspects of the book, including the architecture, gardens, and even specific locations.

For example, when looking inside the Cathedral Garden you will notice a little door, this is said to be the door through which Alice entered Wonderland. Inside the college, visitors can also search for hidden Alice features, such as the amazing Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall or brass andirons shaped like two ladies with long necks. They are considered as an inspiration for Alice after she tried the left-hand portion of the mushroom, which made her neck grow long.

We highly recommend a visit to this stunning church, the oldest buildings in Oxford and one of the smallest cathedrals in the Church of England.

Photo reference:  Lydia McCutcheon, NCT & Michael Whelton, Director USL.