Oxford, the Oldest University City in the United Kingdom

Oxford is the oldest university city in the United Kingdom, some 50 miles to the west of the capital London in its own county of Oxfordshire, on the rivers Thames and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge, Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and élite, a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire make this a great destination.

Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was initially known as "Oxanforda". The settlement began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century, and was first mentioned in written records in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 912. By the 10th century Oxford had become an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and was on several occasions raided by the Danes.

The University of Oxford was founded in the 12th century and therefore constitutes the oldest English-speaking university. Oxford, like Cambridge, differs from many other universities in that there is no 'campus' as such, and no central university building. Instead, the University consists of approximately 40 colleges and associated buildings, such as the Exam Schools, the world-famous Bodleian Library, and several world-class museums. Each college has its own individual character, some date from the 13th century, others are merely a few decades old.

During World War II, Oxford was spared from the German carpet bombing that levelled many other British cities, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the United Kingdom.

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