Shall on the heart impress such grateful love,
That Atheist ne’er can shake, or Deist move.
The Cloister of this College, which remains in its primitive state, is the most venerable of the University; the interior is ornamented with curious hieroglyphics, the key to which is very fully given in the Oxford Guide, from an ancient manuscript in the College.
Passing by numerous other Colleges and Halls, all interesting, if the time and inclination of the Tourist permit him to visit them, I shall proceed to Christ Church, which merits particular attention. This College consists of four courts: 1. The great Quadrangle; 2. Peckwater square; 3. Canterbury court; 4. The Chaplain’s court; and some other buildings. The noble west front is 382 feet in length. Over the great gate in the middle of this front is a beautiful tower, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, erected by Dr. Fell, in which is hung the great bell, called Tom, the weight of which is eight tons and a half: on the sound of this bell, the scholars of the University are to retire to their respective Colleges.
The great Quadrangle is 264 by 261 feet in the clear. The Hall takes up more than half the south side: we ascend to it by a spacious and stately staircase of stone, the roof of which, supported by a single pillar, is beautiful. The staircase, lobby, and entrance into the hall, have been altered under the direction of Mr. Wyatt. The Hall is by far the most magnificent room of the kind in Oxford. There are near 300 compartments in the cornice, which are embellished with as many coats of arms, carved and blazoned in their proper colours. At the upper end of the hall the beautiful gothic window merits attention.—For the long list of portraits of eminent persons that adorn the walls, vide Oxford Guide.
Christ Church, which is the cathedral of the diocese, formerly belonged to St. Frideswide’s Monastery; for the roof of the choir, which is of beautiful stone-work, it was indebted to Cardinal Wolsey.
The east window was painted by Mr. Price, senior, of London, from a design by Sir James Thornhill. The window at the north corner of the west end is curiously painted, representing St. Peter delivered out of prison by the angel. It was executed by Oliver, in his eighteenth year. The fine ring of ten bells in the steeple, as well as Tom before described, were brought from Oseney Abbey. Choir service is performed every day at ten and five; except on Sundays and holidays, when it is at eight in the morning.
Three sides of Peckwater court are uniform, designed by Dr. Aldrich. On the fourth side is the Library, 141 feet long, built in the Corinthian order. In the lower apartments to the right and left are deposited the celebrated collection of pictures, given to the College by Gen. Guise. Amongst these is the celebrated performance of Annibal Caracci, representing his family in a butcher’s shop. St. Francis in a vision supported by angels, by ditto. A Medusa’s head, by Rubens. Two Nativities, by Titian. A Nativity, by Raphael. The flight into Egypt, by Guido Rini. Two half-lengths of women, by Dominichino. Jesus and Saint John embracing, by Raphael, &c. &c.
For a farther account of the various beauties of Oxford, I must again recommend the Tourist to refer to the Oxford Guide, as well as for information with respect to Heythrop, the seat of the Earl of Shrewsbury, 17 miles N. of Oxford; Ditchley, the seat of the Right Honourable Lord Dillon, about four miles and a half from Heythrop; or Nuneham Courtney, the seat of Earl Harcourt, which affords the richest treat to the admirers of fine paintings that the country affords.
But if a soldier’s ardour warms his soul, and he would fain be led to deeds of arms, pursue the road to honour, and seek the pinnacle of fame, to Blenheim’s towers let him turn his steps; and let the gentle Rosamond’s hard fate midst Woodstock’s bowers beguile him of a sigh; for love and war should still go hand in hand. Here well-earned honours have been well repaid; and great as Marlborough’s noble deeds in arms shall shine in the historic page, still shall a sovereign’s and a nation’s gratitude outvie the hero’s deeds.
Blenheim, the princely residence of his grace the Duke of Marlborough, is situated about eight miles from Oxford, to the west of Woodstock, from which town you enter the Park by a spacious portal of the Corinthian order. The noble view of the castle of Blenheim, the extent of the park, the lake, valley, and richly varied scenery, are from hence highly impressive. The architecture of this noble pile of building, the interior finish and display of the arts, increase rather than diminish the first impression. The circumference of the park is about eleven miles: the gardens are tastefully displayed, owing much to nature, whose beauties are here happily blended with art.