War Memorial Garden
84 Saint Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1RA, GB
Rating: 4.6 ★ (10 ratings)
Details
Just off St Aldate's, the Christ Church War Memorial Garden offers a serene green space, created in 1926 to honour members of Christ Church college who perished in the First World War. Within the entrance, a poignant inscription from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, "My Sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage," is set into the paving alongside the image of a sword. This carefully designed Arts and Crafts style garden, with its Yorkstone path, stone walls, and herbaceous borders, largely retains its original 1920s character. It provides a tranquil spot for reflection, with views towards Tom Tower, and serves as an access point to the expansive Christ Church Meadow. The garden itself stands on land formerly occupied by stables and a row of houses and shops.
The Grade II listed screen wall and wrought-iron gates of the garden front onto St Aldate's, marking a dignified entrance to this commemorative space. Funded by subscriptions, including a notable donation from the King of Siam, and by Christ Church college, the garden was conceived after plans for a larger building memorial proved unfeasible. Its creation also had the effect of opening up the southern aspect of Christ Church. Visitors will find it a peaceful interlude, a place to pause away from the bustling city, and a thoughtful tribute to the past. The garden is generally open daily until dusk and admission is free, making it an accessible point of calm and history for all.
Comments
More comments will appear here over time.