Oxford history

It is thought that Oxford got its name from Oxen-ford, an early medieval settlement around a safe crossing place for cattle in the Thames. By the 13th century, Oxford had developed into a bustling town, and it was in that same century that the first university colleges, University College, Balliol College and Merton College, appeared. Today there are 39 colleges at the university. The newest, Kellogg College, was established in 1990. All colleges are mixed except for St Hilda's, which is for women only.

Oxford has always maintained close links to royalty and government. During the English Civil War (1642-1651) the city became the Royalist capital of England, with Charles I setting up home at Christ Church and his wife Henrietta Maria keeping court at the neighbouring Merton College.

Oxford University has educated 26 British Prime Ministers, including Sir Robert Peel (Christ Church), William E Gladstone (Christ Church), Harold Macmillan (Balliol), Margaret Thatcher (Somerville), Tony Blair (St John's) and David Cameron (Brasenose). Bill Clinton (University) was also educated here.