Today I took a walk around Christ Church, the college where numerous scenes from the
Harry Potter series have been filmed. I felt like a VIP since I got to use the "University Members Only" entrance to the college and got to walk around the quad in places where visitors aren't allowed, though this feeling was promptly cut short by the porter at that entrance. The man, dressed the in Christ Church porter's uniform of a navy blue overcoat and a bowler hat, seemed to be about 70, and thoroughly enjoyed giving me a long list of prohibitions, including "No pictures, no standing in the quad" and the (I think) sarcastic "No eating the grass, no fishing and no breathing." I stood there dumbfounded, seeing as I've never been quite sure how to respond to mocking without displaying behavior that merits further mockery. He finally left me alone, and I was free to walk around the quad, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Hogwarts Great Hall. I don't have any pictures of the quad (though there is a virtual tour
here - just click in the center of the quad), but I can say that it was immaculately groomed, as it should be, considering no one is allowed to walk across it.
The cathedral w
as large and in charge, and has to be experienced to be appreciated. I also wasn't sure about photos in there, and the air of snobbery that seemed to permeate the place prevented me from meekly asking permission (though once again you can view the
tour). Then there was the Great Hall. I've included these photos, which are taken from the
end of the hall and the center, respectively. The front tables were all laid out for a reception (hence the video screen), and a sign at the entrance clearly stated that visitors were not allowed to sit at the tables. Like the cathedral, it kind of has to be experienced, but I will say that it made me wish I were a Christ Church student. As you can see, portraits of famous Christ Church patrons line the wood-paneled walls, and at the head of the hall there is a large portrait of Henry VIII, the king when the college was founded. It was cool, and very Oxfordish, to say the least.
as large and in charge, and has to be experienced to be appreciated. I also wasn't sure about photos in there, and the air of snobbery that seemed to permeate the place prevented me from meekly asking permission (though once again you can view the tour). Then there was the Great Hall. I've included these photos, which are taken from the 
end of the hall and the center, respectively. The front tables were all laid out for a reception (hence the video screen), and a sign at the entrance clearly stated that visitors were not allowed to sit at the tables. Like the cathedral, it kind of has to be experienced, but I will say that it made me wish I were a Christ Church student. As you can see, portraits of famous Christ Church patrons line the wood-paneled walls, and at the head of the hall there is a large portrait of Henry VIII, the king when the college was founded. It was cool, and very Oxfordish, to say the least.
1 comment:
No Dumbledore when you were there? Man, your school sucks.
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