Encaenia Procession & Ceremony

Encaenia, (pronounced en-scene-ya), is the ceremony at which the University of Oxford awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women and commemorates its benefactors. The ceremony takes place at The Sheldonian Theatre and is held annually on the Wednesday of ninth week during Trinity Term.

The Encaenia is depicted in the Morse episode, 'Twilight of the Gods', above. (Track forward to 2:25). 

This year's ceremony will take place on Wednesday the 20th of June. Whilst the ceremony itself is restricted to university dignitaries and special guests, the procession to and from the Sheldonian Theatre should not be missed!

Start:      10:30am - Exeter College, Brasenose Lane, Oxford
Finish:   11:30am -  Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford

Inspector Morse

Are you a fan of Inspector Morse? I'm afraid to admit I haven't yet read any of Collin Dexter's famous novels, I'm not sure whether detective novels are really my 'thing', but I figured whilst living in Oxford, there's no better time to find out - Inspector Morse you see is a senior officer with the Thames Valley Police and all the novels and television adaptations are set in Oxford!

Pictured: Sergeant Lewis (left), played by Kevin Whately and the famous Inspector Morse (right), played by John Thaw.

There are a total of 13 novels in the series, but you can also buy the complete Inspector Morse TV adaptation on DVD if you're feeling lazy. The new "Lewis" series in which, Morse's "sidekick," takes the lead is also available on DVD and has proved so popular that it is now into its sixth series. Filming continues in and around Oxford.

Pictured: Inspector Lewis, played by Kevin Whately and Detective Sergeant James Hathaway, played by Laurence Fox.

For those of you yet to arrive in Oxford or still in the planning stages of your move, the Inspector Morse and Lewis DVDs are a fantastic way to get a sneak peek into Oxford and taste of what lies ahead, (aside from the murder and mystery of course!)   

Oxford Pubs frequented by Inspector Morse  
As an inspector well know for his thirst for English real ale, it's no surprise that many of Oxford's pubs featured in the long running TV adaptation. One of Oxford's most enchanting and well-hidden watering holes, the Turf Tavern, features heavily in the series and is well worth a visit - finding it is half the fun! The Randolph Hotel, host to the 'Morse 'bar,' the Bear Inn and The Old Bookbinders Arms in Jericho are also worth a visit.

You'll find this chalk board at the Turf Tavern along with another depicting Inspector Lewis, however you may not pick it at first. Lewis' chalk board reads:" Inspector Lewis is a regular although this looks nothing like him due to our one eyed, left handed signwriter"!

Inspector Morse Walking Tour 

If you'd like to follow in the footsteps of the city’s most celebrated detective and visit the scenes form his best-known cases, you can download a free self-led itinerary here. Alternatively, guided tours depart from the Oxford Information Centre up to 3 times a week. Further details available at the Oxford Information Centre, 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford. 

Die-hard fans be warned - If you're looking for Beaumont or Lonsdale College whilst in Oxford, neither of them exist! In reality Brasenose College was used to represent Lonsdale, while Corpus Christi was used for Beaumont.

Cream Tea at The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel is one of Oxford's finest and stands proud in the heart of town. Although it is most widely recognised as the watering hole of Colin Dexter's famous detective, Inspector Morse, this 5-star hotel has much to offer. Not only have its luxurious rooms played host to a long list of celebrities, it boasts an award winning restaurant, sensuous spa and an afternoon tea to remember. 

Tea is served daily in the Drawing Room and comes with elegance and charm a plenty. On Saturdays, you'll even find a pianist accompanying an orchestra of tinkling teaspoons. Whilst proper tea etiquette states that when stirring tea, "you must be careful not to clink your spoon against the cup."  I think there are far more pressing matters, like which to spread first - the jam or the cream? 

On the menu you'll find three options for afternoon tea, but if you are feeling extravagant, I highly recommend the Randolph's Celebration Tea - It is Christmas after all. 

Cream Tea £12.25 per person, Afternoon Tea £18.90 per person, Celebration Tea £29.00 per person.    

Propose a toast with a glass of chilled Moet and Chandon NV Champagne and kick off the festive season with a selection of sandwiches and delicately crafted cakes. It's then time to undo your top button and prepare for the pièce de résistance - Homemade scones with preserves and clotted cream along with a freshly brewed pot of the all-important tea! 

Treat someone you love to a tea to remember! 

Vouchers can be purchased on the hotel's website and may be used as full or part 
payment against anything from a luxurious feature room to a relaxing day at the spa.

The Randolph Hotel Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN