Oxford might have been Miami Beach, such was the intensity of the sunshine on Sunday. It was about as crowded with tourists as well. Imagine, however, our smugness as we pushed through the crowd that besieged the gates of Christ Church, explaining that I was speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival.
Men in bowler hats kept the human herd at bay, as we walked across a deserted quad. ‘Come within our precincts,' whispered the stones. ‘We who were put here by Cardinal Wolsey will tolerate the intrusion. You may not be worthy, but your hour is brief. Don't run. Pretend to be cleverer than you are.' If this is privilege, give me more of it.
My talk (‘The Arts-and-Crafts Country House': pity you missed it) was over before lunch. This left us free to relax on a terrace with other speakers, philosophers, historians, someone who'd been in The Pirates of the Caribbean. I recommend lovage cordial in a refreshing punch (courtesy of Hendrick's Gin, one of the sponsors). At teatime, we found that the Ashmolean also has a terrace, behind the pediment. Oxford City Council may have clouded things by issuing a parking ticket, but if the day quickened our boys' desire to attend this ancient seat of learning, I don't begrudge it.
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A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
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A bridge just far enough: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 4, 2025Lions, castles and even a couple of US-themed questions for the 4th of July in Friday's Quiz of the Day.
