St Aldate's, Oxford facts for kids
St Aldate's is a well-known street in the heart of Oxford, England. It gets its name from Saint Aldate, a historical figure. Long ago, this street was actually called Fish Street!
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Exploring St Aldate's: Famous Buildings
This important street stretches south from Carfax, which is considered the very center of Oxford. As you walk along St Aldate's, you'll see many interesting and historic buildings.
Oxford Town Hall and Museum
On the east side of the street, you'll find the impressive Oxford Town Hall. This building isn't just for city meetings; it also houses the Museum of Oxford. The museum is a great place to learn about the city's long and exciting history.
Christ Church and Pembroke College
One of Oxford's most famous colleges, Christ Church, stands proudly facing the east side of St Aldate's. Its grand Tom Tower is a real landmark. Across the street, on Pembroke Square, you'll see Pembroke College. These colleges are part of the famous University of Oxford.
St Aldate's Church
Also on the west side of the street, within Pembroke Square, is St Aldate's Church. This church shares its name with the street itself.
Alice's Shop: A Magical Connection
Right across from Christ Church is a special place called Alice's Shop. This shop was once visited by a real girl named Alice Liddell. She was the inspiration for the famous character Alice in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. The shop even inspired the "Wool and Water" chapter in the book!
Music and Law on St Aldate's
As you continue south past Christ Church, you'll find more interesting spots.
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
On the east side, there's an entrance to Christ Church Meadow, a lovely green space. Nearby is the University of Oxford's Faculty of Music. This building is home to the amazing Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. It's a museum filled with musical instruments from different times and places.
Oxford's Court Centre
Further along, you'll see the Oxford police station and the Oxford Combined Court Centre. These buildings handle important legal matters for the city.
St Aldate's on Television
Did you know that the police station on St Aldate's was featured in the popular TV show Inspector Morse? The series was set in Oxford, and many local landmarks appeared in the episodes.
Heading South: Beyond the City Walls
After crossing Folly Bridge over the River Thames (which is also called the Isis here), St Aldate's changes its name. It becomes Abingdon Road (A4144). This road leads directly out of Oxford, heading south towards the Oxford Ring Road and other towns like Abingdon.
Gallery
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The northern end of St Aldate's.
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Alice's Shop on St Aldate's, opposite Christ Church.
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Tom Tower and the main entrance to Christ Church, the largest Oxford college, on St Aldate's.
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Oxford Town Hall on St Aldate's.
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The High and Cornmarket streets intersection at the far northern end of St Aldate's.
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The northern section of St Aldate's Street from near the entrance to Tom Quad beneath Tom Tower.
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St Aldate's Street from the Speedwell Street entrance, adjacent to the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments in Christ Church Park.
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View of St Aldate's longing north from Folly Bridge with The Head of the River public house on the right.
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Looking south down St Aldate's in the snow, with Christ Church on the left.
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St Aldate's Church, which gives the street its name
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