From an Etching by R. Kent Thomas. [$]
“ Any places of strength in Oxford would command the roads leading to the north and west, and the secure, raised paths that ran through the flooded fens to the ford or bridge, if bridge [...]grand pont, where Folly Bridge now spans the Isis. Somewhere near Oxford, the roads that ran towards Banbury and the north, or towards Bristol and the west, would be obliged to cross the river. The water-way, too, and the paths by the Thames’ side, were commanded by Oxford. The Danes, as they followed up the course of the Thames from London, would be drawn thither, sooner or later, and would covet a place, which is surrounded by half-a-dozen deep natural moats.” (p. 9) [more...] [$]
Lang says that the Bocardo Prison predated the University.
The image is signed “S. R.” [$]
Magdalen Tower From Christchurch
From an Etching by A. Brunet-Debaines [$]
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