Rivalry between Universities

Oxbridge, a portmanteau of Oxford and Cambridge, implicated the superior social and intellectual status. Founded over 800 years ago, they have without doubt nurtured some of the most prominent figures. As the only two universities in England and Wales back in many centuries, the rivalry was intense.

University of Oxford

The first scholar of Oxford actually came from France in 1167, who founded the university. Trinity College is the oldest part of the college on Broad Street. The 17-century chapel has a magnificent reredos and wooden screen.

The Bridge of Sighs joined the old building and new building of Hertford College. Built in 1914, It has become the picturesque landmark of the city. It is a copy of the Venice version, which used to lead the prisoners to trial or execution.

The Radcliffe Camera is a distinctive building. Built in 1320 by James Gibbs, it is a reading room of the Bodleian Library. As one of the six copy-right deposit libraries, it is entitled to receive copies of books published in the UK.

The Christ Church is where the students have their meals. Senior academics sit at the high table. Following the tradition, grace is still said in Latin. It provided the location for Harry Potter scenes, such as the staircase.

Fun fact: Oxford is more than just a university city. It has one of the British most important car factories in the suburb of Cowley.

University of Cambridge

Being the first navigable point of River Cam, Cambridge was an important town in Roman times. Religious scholars fled from Oxford in 1209, due to the religious disputes, whether King John or Pope Innocent III should be appointed the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

As one of the remarkable landmarks in the city, it took 70 years to complete the King’s College. It was founded by Henry VI in 1441. A classic example of Gothic English architecture. The highlights must be the stained-glass windows, and the fan vaulted ceiling with 22 buttresses.

On the other side, the Queens’ College was built in 1446. It has a marvelous collection of Tudor buildings, notably the half-timbered President’s Gallery. Founded by Henry VIII in 1547, the Trinity College is the largest college. It has a massive court and hall.

Attention: Punting on the River Cam and capturing the essence of carefree college days leaves you no regrets when you leave the city.

In the UK, there are over 160 universities and higher education institutions. As the concept of universal access to education is more prevalent, people have equal opportunity. Since change is the only constant, how to equip students with knowledge and skills for the future becomes a global challenge.