St Mary’s Passage
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A doorway adorned with a lion's head knocker and flanked by two golden fawns marks an entrance to St Mary's Passage in Oxford, a narrow, atmospheric alley that is believed by many to be an inspiration for C.S. Lewis's magical world of Narnia. This historic passage, also known as Radcliffe Street in the 19th century, runs northwards from High Street, nestled between Brasenose College and the University Church of St Mary-the-Virgin. As you wander through, it's easy to imagine literary figures of the past treading the same cobblestones. The passage's charm is amplified by architectural details like a seventeenth-century timber-framed building with an overhang supported by fauns, hinting at centuries of history and stories held within its walls.
St Mary's Passage not only offers a journey into Oxford's literary and architectural past but also serves as a picturesque route connecting key city landmarks. Emerging from the passage, you find yourself near the iconic Radcliffe Camera, a much-photographed architectural marvel. The passage itself has been home to various establishments over the years, including a former pub, the City Arms, and has always been intertwined with the life of the University Church. Its unique character and central location make it a delightful find for visitors exploring the historic heart of Oxford, offering a tangible connection to the city's rich academic and imaginative heritage. Keep an eye out for the intricate details on the buildings as you pass; this is a place where history whispers from every stone.
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