House of Harry Potter
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I thought it would be a great idea to take my son to Oxford and visit the house of Harry Potter. He is a fan of Harry, and it would have been an excellent experience for hin but unfortunately the trip conflict with his school. All probably know that many tourists go to visit Oxford because they want to experience a quick trip to the castle and see where the movie was filmed. Nevertheless, I will take him a lot of pictures for him to appreciate.“It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” ― Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
What they don’t know is about the “secrets of the history that Oxford holds.” Just like the castle still has supper heroes like Harry Potter who safe the day, the castle had a hero name Matilda.
“The castle was battered and all looked lost, so Matilda donned a disguise and slipped out of the fortress one freezing winter’s night. Wearing white to blend in with the snowy landscape, she crossed the frozen Thames and escaped to the stronghold of Wallingford Castle.Sullivan, Paul (2013-10-31T23:58:59). Secret History of Oxford. The History Press. Kindle Edition.
The castle continues to be a place of inspiration, innovation, a place where the old and historical meet with the new ideas of men and women, the young and old meet to continue to innovate.
Oxford has a history of endurance and perseverance. Is the place where many fights were fought and won, a resident to the many stories hidden beneath the surface. The book is instrumental for those like my self that will be visiting the university and city; it is full of updated information. I am looking forward to being part of a historical place even if it’s just for a few days; it will be very significant to experience such a rich and meaningful place. The UK and especially the Oxford resident I assumed are very proud to have such of historical site, full of history and with many stories still to unfold.
Oxford secrets have inspired many to write books, film movies, do research, and speculate. I think Oxford continues to inspire many people today. Thousands of young people prepare in those areas in which they will serve. They are instilled with the powerful energy of history that the site posses.
A very special thing to remember to visit is the conservation of the many collections of artifacts found in the museum. I think it will be great to visit the museum, I hope there is time to go to see the treasures like Fawkes’s lantern, Michelangelo’s paintings, Oliver Cromwell’s mask. As I understand, Oliver dead is very meaningful and visited by many people. The mummies of Egypt will be worthy of admiration as well as the remains of the famous Dodo. Is my understanding that the museum is one of its best sites to visit.
“The Christ Church is a symbol of hope and future. It is amazing to know that the church continues to be very significant in the history of Oxford. The green Christ Church is a vibrant and diverse academic community where over six hundred undergraduate and graduate students explore a wide range of subjects. Uniquely among Oxford colleges, Christ Church is home to a collection of Old Master paintings and drawings, housed in the purpose-built Picture Gallery. It is also home to Oxford’s Cathedral, which has its own world-famous choir.” https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk. Very little is said about the influence of those churches in regards to the gospel in England. That could be a topic to research. How much did the Christ Church really do for the kingdom? I am always interested to learn about the background of the many historical churches and their influence on their communities. Did they plant other churches, send out missionaries? who were the pastors of those churches? The role they played on the funding of Oxford legacy? many questions remain to be discovered and I would consider them to also be part of the many secrets of the History of “Oxford greatest secret, and one wich it still refuses to whisper to the hapless historian..” page 3.
Another symbol of hope is the church of St Giles one of the older structures on site. “St Giles Church is 550 yards (500 m) north of Oxford’s city wall, and when built it stood in open fields. There were no other buildings between it and the city wall, where St Michael at the North Gatechurch stands. About a thousand people lived within the walls of Oxford at this time. The church was not actually consecrated until 1200, by Saint Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln. There is a 13th or 14th-century consecration cross consisting of interlaced circles cut into the western column of the bell tower that is believed to commemorate this. Also in commemoration of the consecration, St Giles’ Fair was established. The fair continues to this day, held on the Monday and Tuesday after the Sunday following 1 September, which is St Giles’ Day. St Hugh also expanded the St Mary Magdalen’s Church to the south in 1194”. The Church of England: Oxford St Giles, Oxford.
7 responses to “House of Harry Potter”
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I have yet to actually read those novels, so I dove into the first one. It’s a mindless break from academic reading.
I started watching the Downton series. One take away was, and possibly truth, that those who do not know what a weekend is for may need to have their place so that others can work. Maybe!
I was labeled an ESTJ. Yup, the authors write that I tend judge by what is out of order: according to my perspective that is built upon experiences, research, and traditions.
It is my hope that as I engage in the secrets you mention that I will delay judgement.
I am writing this suggesting what difference in our lives do you think should we come away with by reading the facts?
Thanks so much
Facts are Facts
The fascinating yet sad part about history is it is usually written from the winners perspective. I thought Sullivan did a great job of balancing the good, the bad, and the ugly side of history that made Oxford what it is today.
“How much did the Christ Church really do for the kingdom?”
I think this is an interesting question to look into as well. For me, it also raises the question of presence and how it draws people to the Kingdom.
Earlier this year when the fire hit Notre Dame, I was talking with a friend about it. One of the things we talked about was why people were so devastated afterward. Was it because it was an architectural marvel? In part. Was it the history? In part. But, like Christchurch, I think it caused so much dismay because it was a symbol of hope and drew people to it. Whether they had a religious experience there or not is a different matter, but can presence draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ?
Joe, like you, I was intrigued with the history of Oxford. I loved they even established a school for those who didn’t fit into the standard mold. As a Christian misfit, it warms my heart to know other misfits were seen and given space to grow and learn in that historic setting. I love the questions you pose regarding the churches and the roles they played in discipleship and evangelism. I look forward to pondering those questions and more as we gather in London and Oxford very soon!
Joe,
Oxford as a symbol of endurance and perseverance is inspiring for me to consider, especially in a world dominated by start-up culture, flash-pan activism, and swiftly moving news cycles. These two words are, for me, the very stuff of what Nouwen was reflecting on in Discernment. As we’re embarking on a very significant three-year journey that, hopefully, will shape our future and the futures of others, these two words jumped out at me as a divine invitation to allow this process to pull me deeper in the practices of endurance and perseverance for the sake of long-term (dare I say, eternal) impact.