My Oxford Portal
The Secret History of Oxford by Paul Sullivan delves into the lesser-known aspects of Oxford University’s rich and storied past. Unveiling hidden narratives, the book explores intriguing stories that have shaped the university’s history. Historical narratives and timelines are intriguing to me for so many reasons, one of the reasons being that historical narratives expose shifts in thinking, threshold concepts that have been unearthed, and often barriers to understanding that existed previously. I enjoy reading about the lives of people, including the challenges that they faced as they impacted their “dash” of existence here on Earth. The stories inspire and challenge me as I proceed through the portal of my own learning and journey with Jesus.
As I read about Oxford’s secret history, some of the stories and obscure facts that I found to be so intriguing included:
- Men received honors degrees after answering two questions: What is the meaning of Golgotha? And who founded University College? [1]
- The ghost of Archbishop William Laud which is sometimes “seen” walking a few inches above ground, has even been known to bowl its head across the floor. [2]
- The poem written by John Clavell appealed to King James, resulting in Clavell’s death penalty being lifted. [3]
- The transposition of sounds, known as metathesis, as exemplified by William Spooner. [4]
- The presence of blue plaques sprinkled throughout the book, signifies marks of historical presence by some of those named. [5]
- J.R.R. Tolkien was named the highest-earning dead writer in the world in 2009. [6]
- The “pipe-smoking ghost of Professor Tolkien” that is spotted in the precincts of Merton College. [7]
- The first hospital, named Radcliffe Infirmary, was founded as a charity to treat people who would not be able to afford it. [8]
- The use of “hocus-pocus” by Oxonian jokesters, as a hostile attempt to alter the words ‘this is my body’. [9]
And the list goes on. . . So many interesting stories, people, locations, and discoveries. Before reading the book, I honestly knew very little about Oxford except for its location, a few names of the Oxford celebrities, such as C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as its magnificent architecture as identified in movies. I am very intrigued and have expanded my knowledge of Oxford as well as my motivations for experiencing Oxford.
Upon reflection, my new learning mirrors a concept discussed in the book Overcoming Barriers to Student Understanding by J. Meyer and R. Land, specifically the idea of threshold concepts. As defined in the book, a threshold concept is a portal, that opens up a new and previously inaccessible way of thinking about something. [10] The learner is going from one point in their understanding to another and it is transformational. Because of this process, the mastery of a threshold concept is an irreversible process. A transformation takes place that involves shifts in thinking, new outlooks on a topic, and new eyes on a subject matter morphing into new perceptions or understandings about oneself and the world. The learner cannot go back to a previous naive state. My new learning about Oxford University is irreversible and has inspired some creative methods for taking it all in. . . well as much of it as time allows (including using the book as a place to plot points of interest as I walk the streets, marking my explorations). There is much to see with little time to experience all of it.
From obscure academic rivalries to the existence of secret societies, the book probed the shadows of Oxford’s hallowed halls that in turn probed my imagination and anticipation for the Oxford Advance 2023. Through the compilation of anecdotes, events, and famous characters, I was intrigued as the book brought to light many of the untold tales that have contributed to the mystery of Oxford University. Through my reading, I was taken on a journey through time, uncovering the hidden layers that have shaped the world’s second-oldest university with a rich legacy of academic excellence and tradition.
[1] Paul Sullivan, The Secret History of Oxford (Stroud, UK: The History Press, 2013), 43.
[2] Ibid, 110.
[3] Ibid, 111.
[4] Ibid, 127.
[5] Ibid, 131.
[6] Ibid, 130.
[7] Ibid, 131.
[8] Ibid, 144.
[9] Ibid, 234.
[10] Meyer, Jan, F.H and Ray Land., eds. Overcoming Student Barrier to Student Understanding: Threshold Concepts and Troublesome Knowledge. (London, UK: Routledge, 2012).
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei brings more than 25 years of experience in teaching, leading and coaching. She currently is an Instructional Coach and loves to support individuals in discovering who God has made them to be, both professionally and personally. She has led a variety of professional development opportunities, trainings and workshops both in the fields of education and ministry. Cathy desires to support individuals in discovering the Creator's design and image within. Cathy and her husband, Steve, live in Michigan with their seven year old Springer, Otis. They have three adult daughters and two son-in-laws. Together, they enjoy the company of friends (both old and new) in their home, as well as cycling, camping, backpacking and hiking. They can be found hiking and enjoying the outdoors with Otis right alongside them.9 responses to “My Oxford Portal”
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Like you, Cathy, I had only the most basic knowledge of Oxford before reading this book and now I’m intrigued. I was especially surprised at the long and diverse lists of people who had attended the various colleges, including actors and foreign leaders. I’m pulling from memory here, but I recall Emma Watson, Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto among many others. There were a lot of names on those lists that I wouldn’t have guessed.
Nice post,
I dodged down a rabbit trail and asked ChatGPT to give me a list of dictators that attended Oxford. It was interesting to see what nefarious men went there (see my blogpost).
It should be a fascinating time in Oxford.
Cathy, Your summary list from the book is fun to read and a good reminder of what Dr. Clark was saying to us about Oxford on Monday: “Let Oxford be Oxford.” Your connection to Land’s book is a reality I hadn’t made before: Ever since our time in Cape Town, I am not the same nor do I see the world the same. It makes me wonder with awe how Oxford will change us, too? Thanks for the post.
Cathy,
I believe we will all have our horizons expanded in Oxford!. I, too, loved reading the stories and fun facts surrounding Oxford. There is a part of me that is intrigued at simply being in a place that has been home to so many deep thinkers. I hope it rubs off for greater research and NPO inspiration. Lol!
Looking forward to spending time together in Oxford!
“A transformation takes place that involves shifts in thinking, new outlooks on a topic, and new eyes on a subject matter morphing into new perceptions or understandings about oneself and the world. The learner cannot go back to a previous naive state.”
“Threshold concepts” is one of about five ideas from last semester I still think about or use weekly! It explains some of my own journey and the journey I see in others. To get from one state to another there is always this pesky, uncomfortable, unfamiliar, even complex territory we have to wade through! At least many of us are doing this journey together. I appreciate your posts and pray this is a life changing trip for us all!
Personally, I am excited to get to Oxford in order to reconnect with my longtime secret society members.
Our secret society is a gentle blend of Freemasonry, Knights of Columbus (a nod to my Catholic roots), the Illuminati (looking at you Beyonce!), and vinyl enthusiasts. Sprinkled in is a commitment to recycling, Tonkotsu ramen, and dark roast single origin coffee.
Currently our secret society exists of just myself, and a middle aged single guy named Lloyd, but we are open to increased enrollment. Apply in person.
🙂
Cathy, you are a delight. So happy to have you in our peer group and pumped for another year of learning together!
“Men received honors degrees after answering two questions: What is the meaning of Golgotha? And who founded University College?”
When I read that in the book I laughed out loud. I thought “what if we could earn our doctorate by answering these 2 questions???”
Then I realized I wouldn’t want it under those conditions. It’s not just about the degree, but the process of getting it, as difficult as it is sometimes. I’m happy that I’m going through the work in a peer group with you.
Actually,
Hi Cathy, I look forward to hanging out with you in Oxford! I love the obscure facts that intrigued you. I’m personally hoping to see the head being bowled:). I was drawn by the phrase you wrote “impacted their “dash” of existence here on Earth”, It’s fascinating to think of the dash between birth and death…this “one wild and precious life” as Mary Oliver puts it in her poem “The Summer Day”. Reading this book by Sullivan, I too was drawn to the people who spent a part of their dash there, and made a societal impact. What will we do with our dash? Our one wild and precious life? Go to Oxford, that’s one life altering thing we’ll do. So grateful to be on this life-changing journey with you.
See you soon!
Way to pull in threshold concepts to your blogpost! I struggled to relate our other readings to this book.
You mention, “There is much to see with little time to experience all of it.” I felt that way in Cape Town too! I wanted to experience even more of it than we did! I tacked on a few extra travel days to our Oxford experience because I really want to experience more.