Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford

In addition to the glorious scenery in the Cotswolds (have I mentioned this enough?), we decided to also check out Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford since they are so close to the area.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Of course, you can't take any pictures inside, so you have to enjoy the gardens in the back.

Romeo and Juliet reenactment.

LOL!

River Avon

"Nice to meet you" says Reed.

The oldest lived-in house in Stratford.  The opening to the right leads to original outbuildings.

Harvard House, built in 1596 by Thomas Roger, grandfather of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University.

The Shakespeare Hotel which was originally two homes.  These homes were typical of wealthy Tudor families.

The house where Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, grew up.

Onto Oxford.....

St. Michael at the North Gate, which once formed part of the city wall and is nearly 1,000 years old.

Christ Church, which is quoted as being "the most majestic college of all" in our guidebook, was founded in 1525 as Cardinal College by Wolsey.  It was refounded by Henry VIII in 1546 and named Christ Church.

Another exterior shot.

Standing inside the cloister.

You might recognize this staircase from the Harry Pottery movies.

The Dining Hall which was the inspiration for the Hogwart's dining hall.

And, from the other direction.

Tom Quad.  The name comes from the seven-ton bell, Great Tom, which hangs in Tom Tower, over the gatehouse.

Christ Church Cathedral

Intricate ceiling details.  Just beautiful!

Peckwater Quad

Canterbury Gate

I probably should have taken notes, no idea what this is, but it was very pretty.

High Street, where supposedly the curve of the road and the loan sycamore tree provides one of Oxford's best-known views.

Bridge of Sighs, Hertford College's 19th century copy of the Venetian original.

Radcliffe Camera, Radcliff Square
This is England's earliest example of a round reading room.  Camera is the medieval name for a room.

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Okay, I think that's all the highlights from these two stops.  Sorry if this post seems rushed and haphazard, I think I have written it based on how we experienced it, lol, especially Oxford.  We were all hungry, mostly me, and we ran through the city quickly!  Please again feel free to click on any of the pictures to go to the album and see anything that I did not include here.