Britain

Where to see the Bridge of Sighs and Clinton's Tavern in Oxford

Bridge of Sighs in Oxford
Bridge of Sighs in Oxford

Do you know that in Oxford there is also a Bridge of Sighs, very similar to the famous bridge Venice?

Indeed, it is one of the most curious corners that you can see in your Oxford visit, the historic university town north of London. next to which there is also another place with a curious history, the Turf Tavern.

If you have had the opportunity to know the Venice Bridge of Sighs, as soon as you see the Oxford You will have the feeling that they are similar, although in reality, if you look closely, they are quite different.

El Venice Bridge of Sighs It was built in 1614 and connects the Ducal Palace with the building where their dungeons are located.

And this bridge that you can walk through during your visit to said palace, has that name because of the sighs made by the prisoners who were transferred to said dungeons, which you will see during the visit.

Where is the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford

In turn, the Oxford Bridge of Sighs joins two buildings Hertford College, right in front of the monumental complex formed by the Bodleian Library and  Sheldonian Theater.

Also known as the Hertford Bridge, it was completed in 1914.

The bridge incorporates stairs up and down, and links the buildings known as the New Patio and Old Courtyard, dedicated to administrative areas of the college and student residence.

Although its popular name seems to come from its resemblance to the Venetian bridge, there are various urban legends about it.

One of them, which they told me in my trip to oxford, is called that because it was the place where the boys and girls staying in the university residence had to be separated, given that they lived in different buildings.

Bridge of Sighs in Oxford
Bridge of Sighs in Oxford

I will tell you about it that the Hertford College it was one of the first senior schools Oxford Coeds.

As a curiosity, I will tell you that in the Gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja, in the province of Segovia, there is a wooden bridge also known as Bridge of Sighs, although for other reasons.

Where to See Clinton's Tavern in Oxford

When you are under the Bridge of Sighs, you will find a very narrow passage with a small sign indicating Turf Tavern.

Do not hesitate to enter and reach the bottom of the passage.

There, in a narrow patio you find a typical irish tavern, very popular among Oxford students, who during the weekends and, especially, in the summer afternoons and nights, always have the terrace very busy.

Turf Tavern, Bill Clinton's Tavern in Oxford in England
Turf Tavern, Bill Clinton's Tavern in Oxford in England

This popular tavern shows like a flag that it was there where Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, during his stay as a student at the University of Oxford in the 60's, did not inhale smoke while smoking illegal substances.

A curious place where it is worth having a beer…

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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