Feature

Although Oxford will always be associated primarily with its university, the city has a wealth of history dating back to the 9th century when Alfred the Great built a fortified town here.

Following King Henry VIII's reign, his daughter Mary decided to reinstate Catholicism to the country and therefore the unfortunate Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cramner, Nicholas Ridley the Bishop of London and Hugh Latimer were all burnt at the stake on Broad Street.

Any history of Oxford must include the university, however. An education centre has existed in Oxford since the 12th century and this has blossomed into what you see today, a collection of stunning colleges littered about the city and housing tomorrow's Michael Palins, Harold Wilsons, Sir Walter Raleighs or Timmy Malletts (all famous Oxford alumni).

Original university buildings are still accessible today and are hugely popular with tourists. While touring around the various colleges, they will be informed that during the English Civil War, students were predominantly Royalists while the townsfolk were staunch parliamentarians. Typical, awkward students then.

While in Oxford, it is advisable that a trip to nearby Blenheim Palace be taken. Just eight miles away, it was built in the 18th century and is a breathtaking baroque building. Winston Churchill was born here, giving it extra credence.