Oxford Rail Station: The Start of a Half-Day Walk Around the Oxford Colleges

Thousands of bicycles fill the immense bicycle parking area near Oxford Rail Station.

The University of Oxford, situated in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

History

The motto of the university is 'Dominus illuminatio mea' (Latin: 'God [is] my light').

The date of the university's foundation is unknown, and indeed it may not have been a single event, but there is evidence of teaching there as early as 1096. When Henry II of England forbade English students to study at the University of Paris in 1167, Oxford began to grow very quickly. The foundation of the first halls of residence, which later became colleges, dates from this period and later. Following the murder of two students accused of rape in 1209, the University was disbanded. On June 20, 1214, the University returned to Oxford with a charter negotiated by Nicholas de Romanis, a papal legate.

Oxford's chief domestic rival is Cambridge, founded shortly afterwards. Together Oxford and Cambridge are sometimes referred to as Oxbridge. Cambridge is, not always correctly, considered stronger in scientific subjects whereas Oxford is, not always correctly, considered stronger in theology and the humanities. Both are members of the Russell Group of research led British Universities.