So I meant to tell all about Oxford and Wadham and how amazing it is, but I spent the day in London today and I'm super tired so I'll have to put off detailing both things until further notice.
Did you know...?
1. Lewis Carroll wrote Alice's Adventures in Wonderland because he told the story of Alice and the rabbit hole to some little girls while punting on the Thames in Oxford! If you look up Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on Wikipedia, it tells the whole story. I figured my blog name was apt for two reasons: this is the place of Alice's adventures and its like a wonderland! Seriously though, I am completely in awe of the magnificence of this place. There is so much history and knowledge and opportunity to meet people and learn really cool things that I just get super excited and everyone looks at me funny. I mean, picture your face right now. Yep, thats the look I get. I know I'm a nerd. Live with it.
2. Prisoners who were executed by beheading in the past (we're talking pre-1700's) on Tower Hill paid the executioner themselves. As they walked up the scaffolding, to the roars of approval of the crowd, they would hand a small leather bag full of gold to the axe-man who was waiting with an axe in one hand and the other held out to receive payment. The eldest illegitimate child of Charles I was executed on Tower Hill (ask me if you want more details) and he, as one who was royally born, decided not to pay the executioner. Whether by design of the executioner or by simple chance, he was not beheaded in one go. Rather it took five or six swings to do it properly. Since the executioner was 6'4" and a blacksmith, I suspect he was a bit irritated that the guy wouldn't pay him.
Also, I've found my new calling. I want to be Dr. Allan Chapman when I grow up. More to follow.
Cheers, Ashley
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