Oxford is a city full of history and stunning architecture.

But perhaps there is a little more to Oxford than you first thought.

Whether you have lived in the city for years or you are visiting for the first time, here are five quirky facts that we hope will help you learn a little more about Oxford.

How did Oxford get its name?

 

The River Cherwell and the River Thames both flow through Oxford and this is a big part in how the city got its name.

The word Oxford comes from the Saxon term Oxenaforda– meaning ford of the Oxen.

Fords refer to the shallow parts of rivers where it is possible to cross.

Hundreds of years ago, oxen would cross the rivers in Oxford which made it possible for people to settle in the surrounding areas.

Why is Oxford often called the city of dreaming spires?

 

The description of Oxford as the city of dreaming spires originates from a poem written by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold.

The poem is called Thyrsis and it is long – 1863 words over 240 lines and 24 stanzas.

Mr Arnold wrote the poem as an elegy to his friend Arthur Clough who died of malaria in Italy.

Why is Oxford popular with Harry Potter fans?

 

Many scenes in the Harry Potter films were shot in Oxford University buildings.

Christ Church college was a particularly popular location among the directors.

The Christ Church staircase was used in the films as well as the college’s Great Dining Hall.

In total Oxford has appeared in over two hundred movies and TV series.

Oxford sold the first cups of coffee in England!

 

One of the quirky facts about Oxford is that some of the first cups of coffee in the UK were sold there.

The Grand Café was mentioned in the famous diaries of Samuel Pepys in 1650.

Another writer of the time refers to their coffee as a new ‘noveltie’ drink!

Why do people go punting in Oxford?

 

Punting is possible the city’s favourite pastime.

It is believed that the tradition began around the 1860s.

Punts are flat-bottomed boats that you propel using a stick that is pushed against the bottom of the river.

A popular place to go punting in Oxford on the Cherwell is down by Magdalen Bridge.