The city of Oxford is famous for its University and the ‘Dreaming Spires’. The phrase was coined by Matthew Arnold, who was once Professor of Poetry at Oxford, in his poem Thyrsis – ‘and that sweet city with her ‘Dreaming Spires’.
This dawn view from the west of Oxford across the flooded water meadows shows, from the left, the rounded lead covered dome of the Radcliffe Camera.
Next is St. Mary’s magnificent spire – a striking example of Decorated Gothic and then the similar Gothic broach spire of the Wesley Memorial church in New Inn Hall Street. Lincoln College library is in the former All Saint’s church with its Italian High Renaissance spire above a circular temple like feature. The more recent tower of Nuffield College houses the chapel and library and is capped with a copper covered spike. In the distance on the right is the tower of Merton College chapel.