Most colleges that make up the University of Oxford have their history as monasteries or convents. I only learned this when I visited Christchurch College in Oxford, which is also home to Oxford Cathedral. In the scheme of cathedrals in England, Oxford Cathedral is relatively small. Possibly a reflection of the size of the city when it was built. Here you see its spire hiding behind the college buildings.
You will see this spectacular organ if you turn around after entering the cathedral.
And looking around there are also many very detailed stained glass windows.
The cathedral has several chapels with different dedications. I was accompanied by two former members of the armed services, so we spent a bit of time in the chapel dedicated to Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Brigade, which is now part of The Rifles brigade in the British Army. Names of those who died in combat in the Book of Remembrance are read out at remembrance services and at different times, different pages are open to be seen by visitors. There are plaques to various wars on the chapel wall, not just the South African War.
Famous people are also remembered here, they may be buried in the cathedral under the stones I am not sure. This was the first time I saw what the WH stands for in WH Auden!
Once in the college gardens (access to which is restricted, more on that later) there is a more traditional outside view of the cathedral.
travel tales 