Is is Dad's 84th birthday today and after riding out I took him to Oxford for the day. We had lunch by the river and then had a guided historical tour around the city. It was really quite awe inspiring. I had no idea there was so many different colleges - thirty eight, all with their own beautiful quads - Originally done this way because when colleges were first based in Oxford in the 16th century the townsfolk hated the students so much that they were attacked and there was much bloodshed, so the colleges were 'ring fenced' for the protection of the students. Dad turned out to be a bit of a history boff and knew almost more than our guide - I was really impressed with his knowledge.It was fascinating and a really lovely day. We are so lucky to have such heritage right on our doorstep.

Happy Birthday Dad!

All Souls College 

Bridge of  Sighs joining Hertford college 

The Bodleian - This is a legal deposit library that can demand a free copy of every book that has been published in the UK

Balliol College

Oldest Saxon tower nearly 1000 yrs old where Bishops Cramner, Latimer and Ridley were held before being burnt alive