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Since most tours of Oxford begin on the corner of Broad and Catte Street, that's where we'll start as well. Broad Street combines the commercialism of Cornmarket with the education of the Bodleian, and is, in a sense, the heart of Oxford. The picture above was taken looking down Broad Street from Cornmarket, towards Catte Street.
I don't know the purpose of the stone heads that stand on the right side of the street; the tour buses usually make up some story behind them. The original heads were chipped away by students, tourists, and mother nature, and were replaced in the early 1900s. They are still quite popular with the tourists, and usually end up in at least one photograph.
These heads stand in front of the Sheldonian Theatre, a building very important to students. It was built in 1669 by Sir Christopher Wren specifically for matriculation and graduation. However, concerts are also held here, and visitors can climb up to the cupola for some of the most amazing views of Oxford's spires.
The building behind the stone heads is the Bodleian Library, which we will explore a bit later on in our tour. At the back of this picture is the History Faculty Library, a rather lovely place. Across the street from this is the King's Arms, quite popular among students because of its proximity to the Bodleian Library.
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Directly across the street from the stone heads is Blackwell's Bookshop. There are a few Blackwell's Bookshops throughout Oxford, featuring art or music, but this is their main bookshop. Students come here to purchase books either because they are sick of reading in the library or because their essay is due the next day . Tourists come here to purchase books because they need an educational sort of souvenir from Oxford. Go figure.
Every November, Oxford puts up its Broad Street Christmas tree, shown on the left. Compared to the Rockefeller Center Tree, it's not all that much. But the gesture is quite nice. And although it doesn't draw in big crowds like the tree in New York does, it adds a festive atmosphere to the town.
Behind the Christmas tree is Balliol College, which was founded in the 13th century. In 1555, three students were burned at the stake outside the college during Bloody Mary's reign.
On a lighter note, the shops on Cornmarket can be seen in the back of this photograph. No visit to Oxford is complete without an expensive spree down Cornmarket. It's roads and sidewalks are cobbled and crowded, so watch yourself. Be sure to visit Laura Ashley - besides the clothes, the building itself is really old and really cool. It enhances the shopping atmosphere.
Now let's visit the Bodleian Library.
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