Page:Three Years in Europe.djvu/171

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ENGLAND.
137

England, hut not Oxford. Soon Oxford.after the election was over, I went over with my brother to see that classical town on the Thames which is here called the Isis. Historical associations have always a charm for me and there is no town in England so redolent of historical associations as Oxford. The three celebrated martyrs of English history, Ridley, Latimer and Cranmer suffered in this town, the ancient Baliol College is still there, a stone in front of it marks the spot where Cranmer was burnt, and the very window from which the Master of Baliol looked out to enjoy the sight is still shewn to visitors. Baliol College was founded in the 13th century. King James I. of Scotland when a prisoner was educated here, and a number of scholarships tenable by Scotchmen only have always attracted a number of Scotch students to this college. Adam Smith and Sir William Hamilton and other great Scotchmen were educated here. Merton College was also founded in the 13th century; while the University College,—or at least some sort of educational and religious institution on the site of that College—is said to have existed from the time of Alfred the Great! A beautiful monument of Sir William Jones the first of English Antiquarians is to be found in this College.

The beautiful Magdalen College is associated with the fame of Addison, and a shady avenue which was the favorite walk of that essayist is still pointed out as Addison's walk. Christ Church contains the finest hall in Oxford, and it was in this hall that king Charles I. of England held his parliament when in Oxford. Altogether