Five centuries remained to our country until the foundation of the first university, when the competition between Oxford and Cambridge had already begun. Undoubtedly, these educational institutions without a drop of increase can be called outstanding. So why have they been competing with each other for centuries?
When and how did they come into being
The exact founding date of Oxford is unknown. According to records in historical documents, as early as 1096 it was held classes. Of course, in those years, there was no fashion for education. Students studied theology, wishing to become priests. Moreover, they were only men, because until the beginning of the last century ladies were not admitted to Oxford.
At the dawn of the XIII century Cambridge appeared. There is a version that the initiators of the new institution were specialists of Oxford University, who abandoned their previous place of work. It happened as a result of excitement. One of the city's residents was killed and several students were accused of a crime.
Cambridge University was a religious institution for a long time. So was Oxford for more of its history.
For many years, both institutions maintained a monopoly on educational activities. Back in the Middle Ages, the king decreed that these universities should be the only ones on English soil. This was the case until the early XIX century.
Although modern England has many first-class universities, Oxford and Cambridge are still the best. They are always in the top ten of any rankings.
Interestingly, it is not possible to apply to each of them on admission. You can only choose one. The candidates are interviewed. It is not necessary to find out the mental abilities. Specialists determine the thinking of an applicant - whether it meets the high standards accepted. It is not surprising why there are so many famous names among the graduates of these institutions.
Legends and myths
Of course, the oldest universities are shrouded in legends and myths. In one and the same Oxford labs you can find a legendary bell. It has been in continuous operation since 1840, though it does not ring very loudly. It works as a result of chemical reactions and is completely sealed. Therefore, it is impossible to know the exact scheme of its work. And also in the towers of the university shot many frames of the Harry Potter saga.
In Cambridge, you can see a mathematical bridge. They say that it was created by Newton himself. In this case, he did not use any fasteners. However, after the students disassembled it, but could not assemble it, so had to use nails. There are rumors that Oliver Cromwell's head was once buried on the territory. He died because of illness, but was sentenced posthumously. The body was dug out, the head was stolen, and it is rumored that he still rests in one of the chapels.
