Oxford, England (pop. 162,041), is the seat of the University of Oxford, often called Oxford University. The university, which began to develop in the 1100’s, is the oldest British university (see Oxford, University of). The city lies between the rivers Thames and Cherwell, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of London.
The original center of the city was probably a home for nuns that was founded in the 700’s. The home was on the present site of the cathedral at Oxford University. Oxford is now an important industrial center, with automobile factories on the outskirts of the city.
