Oxford may be the perfect destination for tourists visiting England as this 'city of dream spiers' is just a short train or car ride from London. It should be noted that Oxford is famous for having the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Today it is almost impossible to think of Oxford without the many universities that dot the landscape, but the beginnings of its education and culture go back to the time of the Saxons.
They highlight, by the way, the history of the University of Oxford and the University of the Church of Santa María de La Virgen that have been intertwined since the origins of this house of studies. In addition to serving as a place of worship, Santa Maria la Virgen was the site of the first university meetings, conference room, and library.
And as more teachers and students joined the institution the university outgrew the church building so new homes and schools were built around the Santa Maria la Virgen Church. The oldest part of the present church is the tower, which was built in 1280, and its ornate tower was added between 1315 and 1325. By the way, visitors who climb the tower gain wonderful views of Oxford.
History relates that St Mary of the Virgin Church was the site of the trials of three prominent Protestant clergymen known as the Oxford Martyrs - Bishop Hugh Latimer, Bishop Nicholas Ridley, and Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Accused of heresy, Latimer and Ridley were burned in October 1555; Cranmer met death himself in March 1556. A cross on the road near Balliol College marks the place where they died.
Another historical detail is that John Henry Newman became vicar of Saint Mary the Virgin in 1828 where his sermons were legendary. Newman participated in the Oxford Movement, a group that tried to return the Anglican Church to religious orthodoxy. Newman converted to Catholicism in 1845 and became a cardinal in 1879.