Enjoy this episode (above) of Big Blend Radio’s English Connection Podcast as historian and tour guide Glynn Burrows explores England’s ancient colleges, universities, and the enduring role of education in shaping culture, community, and global connection. As you listen, be sure to scroll down and check out Glynn’s accompanying article below, where he dives deeper into the history, architecture, and heritage of these remarkable institutions. You can also read his article and listen to his podcast in the NEW “ENGLISH CONNECTION” PODCAST MAGAZINE!
ENGLANDS HISTORIC COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & SCHOOLS
By Glynn Burrows
In the UK, we have an education system that spans centuries. We even have individual establishments that can trace their foundations back to the dim and distant Medieval era.
Most early education was provided by the Church, so it is no surprise that the earliest school in the UK—The King’s School in Canterbury—was founded as far back as 597 AD. Other early examples were all attached to ecclesiastical establishments and, by the time the Normans arrived in England, there were already over a dozen established schools in the country.
Universities arrived a little later. Oxford was the first place where we know teaching was being carried out as early as 1096. By the middle of the twelfth century, the University was growing rapidly. In 1209, some Oxford academics—fed up with unrest in the city—decided to move to Cambridge and set up a university there.
The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge were made up of individual Colleges, which remain independent establishments today. There is no single “University” building; rather, these collective colleges are the University. Many Kings, Queens, and influential individuals have been involved in their foundations, and the colleges often bore names to tell the world who established them. Some were named for religious purposes, while others took their names from something more obscure—like Brasenose College, named after a brass door knocker shaped like a face with a prominent nose. Hence: “Brass-nose” or “Brazenose.”
Some names can still raise a smile, like “New College, Oxford,” which was founded all the way back in 1379!
While I have mentioned these two famous institutions, there are many others all over the British Isles, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each boasting their own. In fact, I will be visiting Glasgow University this week; one of my cousins from Toronto is coming over to study, and since it is just a train ride away, we are off to catch up (and probably have some Haggis, too).
The Medieval colleges were laid out similarly to the ecclesiastical buildings of the time, with rooms leading off from an open quadrangle or cloister. This allowed scholars to walk around the entire site while staying sheltered—a great advantage in the UK, especially if you were carrying precious parchment, vellum, or paper.
In the monasteries of the time, much of the work was carried out under these covered walkways to capture the natural light. Medieval buildings were relatively dark, as glass was extremely expensive and the only lighting came from lamps and candles. Any bit of natural light was vital for reading and writing.
The lovely thing about visiting our ancient colleges is that many are open to the public. While students need privacy during exams, several colleges welcome visitors to explore their historic halls. If you ever have the chance, do go and have a look around.
You will also find specialist museums and libraries in these university cities. Many major collections were built by these establishments, and many facilities originally designed for students are now open to the public. Whether you are interested in botany, Egyptology, cartography, or any other “ology,” a university museum or library will hold unique treasures.
If you do visit, there are a few rules (both written and unwritten): DO NOT walk on the grass, keep your voice down, and avoid cell phone conversations. While photography is mostly welcome, respect and common sense are the order of the day.
Many colleges even offer guest accommodation. When I take visitors to Cambridge, I almost always book our stay in one of the colleges. The buildings are spectacular and the experience is truly amazing!
If you would like to explore our storied universities, or if a family member is thinking of studying over here, I would be very happy to arrange a tailored tour of your specific area of interest.
NEW! CHECK OUT OUR NEW BIG BLEND RADIO “ENGLISH CONNECTION” PODCAST MAGAZINE FEATURING GLYNN BURROWS!
Glynn provides customized, private tours and also helps his clients trace their English family history. Past guests have visited and experienced stately houses and gardens, castles and churches, ruins and villages, birding and wildlife, World War II airfields, and general area taster tours too. Accommodations can be in all types of establishment, from character buildings such as windmills, thatched cottages and castles, self-catering or five star luxury – just say what you want and it can be arranged. Nothing is too much trouble for Glynn! Visit www.Norfolk-Tours.co.uk
