Oxford
is a microcosm of British architecture, embracing a range of styles. The
city is best known for its colleges and towering spires. One of the best
views of the city is from the top of St Michael's Tower at the city's North Gate. The
tower is Oxford's oldest building, constructed in the 11th Century when the city
had only 3,000 citizens. Back in the 12th Century the University was fairly
small with just a collection of students and masters. Oxford lays claim
to being the oldest university in the English-speaking world with nine centuries
of continuous academic existence. The exact date of the university's foundation
is unclear, but teaching started around 1096. In the 13th Century, the university
was at the centre of rioting between townspeople and students. This conflict
between town and gown accelerated the creation of the first halls of residence.
These were followed by the first of Oxford's colleges - University, Balliol
and Merton Colleges which were created between 1249 and 1264.
By the
14th Century more academic halls started to develop, each based around a master
and students. In the late 14th Century, after the Black Death, there was
a major growth in university buildings. Around 1378 New College was built
on a site outside the city walls, littered with the remains of corpses, left from
the plague. Other college buildings also sprung up, using a variety of stone
from the Cotswolds, bath and France. During the 17th Century the city became
a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. The University supported the
king and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in Convocation House. Oxford
was King Charles 1's headquarters until he surrendered his garrison in 1646. Today
Oxford is a major university city with over 17,000 students. | 
