Since the Central Middle Ages, the University of Oxford has left a prominent mark on shaping and reinventing the purpose of education for global audiences. Established between the 11th and 12th centuries, Oxford is by far the oldest English university in the world and continues to captivate audiences today through providing an advanced education to its students, as well as the unique architecture and scenery that encompass its campus.
Although there has been debate over the origins of Oxford, many historians speculate that the university experienced the most stability and development during the 11th and 12th centuries, when educational institutions began flourishing throughout much of Europe. However, there have been documents indicating that teaching at Oxford began as early as 1096. This rapid change especially occurred in 1167 when Henry II, the king of England, didn't allow English students to pursue their studies at the University of Paris, which also became a widely-renowned school and a rival to the University of Oxford ("Introduction and History"). Despite an increase of students attending Oxford, its numbers began to dwindle once again when riots frequently occurred between the students and townspeople, known as the "Town and Gown" riots. As a result of this turmoil, former Oxford students fled the university, and in 1209, moved to Cambridge, another English town, to form the University of Cambridge ("A Brief History of Oxford University"). However, there were a lack of opportunities due in part to the riots and on account of this, some of these students chose to move back to Oxford to allow the town to flourish once again.
Despite these previous setbacks, Oxford became a distinguished educational institution grounded in the liberal arts and offered its students access to valuable resources needed to succeed in a wide variety of career options. For instance, residence halls were established at Oxford starting in the 13th century, which allowed for university students the opportunity to live on-campus, instead of the previous option in having to reside with townspeople ("A Short History of Oxford University"). Additionally, the introduction and self-governing of colleges within the University of Oxford itself allowed for greater organization to exist, providing students with the ability to specialize in a specific field by learning from prominent teachers, as well as expanding the number of residence halls available and additional outreach programs. Among the oldest colleges at Oxford are both Balliol and Merton, which were both founded in 1264. In the latter part of the Middle Ages, Oxford became a center for learning and public debate, concentrating on topics in humanities, such as English, math, critical thinking, and fine arts.
Today, there are a total of over 30 colleges that exist at the University of Oxford, which continue to strive academically and have consisted of notable alumni throughout the years. Despite the changes that have occurred over the span of Oxford's history, similar fundamental principles can be derived back to the Middle Ages.
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Oxford is an amazing city. I took a day trip out there when I visited the UK this past summer, and it was a great change of pace from the hustle and bustle of London. Looking at the pictures I took, it doesn't look like I ever ended up in the center of University of Oxford, but I did end up getting a picture of Merton college. I knew what I was looking at had some rich history to it, but I wish I knew all that I know now about the place!
ReplyDeleteI did not know about the turmoil that the University of Oxford had. I guess I always think of Oxford and being a highly touted institution and that’s how I’ve always known it. This brings up a lot of questions, like how many years did the unstableness last? Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI always knew that Oxford was a very prestigious university but i never knew the amazing history of its creation. I didn’t know about all the riots that took place that pushed the students to Cambridge. I also didn’t know the King Henry the second banner all english folk from attending the university of Paris forcing Oxford to become an institution allowing for its roots to being to take place during an important time of intellectual reform.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about the illustrious reputation of Oxford University, but I did not know about the riots and troubled history in its early stages. I also didn't know about students previously having to live with townspeople if they are from outside the area.
ReplyDeleteI found it crazy that college education has been around for so long. I wondered when people started studying specific topics or fields in the history of education and it seems like Oxford offered a very in depth assortment of different subjects.
ReplyDeleteOxford has a beautiful campus. I'm feeling a strong sense of nationalism from Henry II! Of course, England and France aren't best of friends at this time.
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