Discover Martyn’s Walking Tours
More About Martyn Sené
Martyn studied Physics at St Johns College Oxford; and later completed a PhD in Edinburgh. After a science career including Academia, Business & Government, he trained as an Oxford Green Badge Guide; and is enjoying introducing this unique city to visitors from across the world.
Languages: English
Published Work: Extensive publications in academic journals including Nature
Favourite Sites: New College, St John’s College
Favourite Pub: White Horse, Lamb & Flag
Favourite Cream Tea: The Old Parsonage Hotel
Favourite Restaurant: Shezan (High street), Branca (Jericho)
Walking Tours in Oxford with Martyn Sené
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Heretics and Heroes
Oxford was a 9th century “New Town '' that became a prosperous market town and city.
On the way it acquired a university with a global reputation for both the humanities and science. This “reverse history” tour starts in the 21st century with the latest and largest ever university development north of the old town and winds back the clock, finishing in the city centre at the first home of the University in the historic and magnificent university quarter.
On the way you’ll learn about the development of the university and the town - with a particular focus on medicine and science -discovering Oxford's modern scientific heroes (e.g. Penicillin, Covid Vaccines) and their predecessors, who were often considered eccentrics and heretics.
An optional extension to the tour will take you back along medieval streets to the site of the original Anglo-Saxon settlement, the river and a wonderful view of Oxford’s “Dreaming Spires”.
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Christ Church is known for inspiring JK Rowling's suggestions to Warner Brothers of possible locations for Hogwarts and the Harry Potter movies.However its pedigree stretches back to Anglo Saxon times when the Cathedral site was the same as the minster of Oxford’s Anglo Saxon Saint Frideswide.
Christ Church is one of Oxford’s most outstanding colleges. It has produced 13 prime ministers, the philosopher John Locke and the reforming politician Robert Peel.
The cathedral is the smallest medieval cathedral in Britain and a real gem. Stops include its refectory in the famous Great Hall, the Bodley Tower staircase, Sir Christopher Wren’s bell tower in the Tom Quad, the Cloister and Cathedral.
Afterwards take a walk through the heart of the city and learn about the Architectural and historical highlights of the University and its colleges, how it operates past and present, and the movements and personalities that beautifully tell the tale of 1000 years of history.