There is a small wooden door within the garden wall of Christ Church in Oxford that tourists frequently walk by without giving it a second thought. What stands out about the door is a low door handle, with a keyhole and a mail slot. The door differs from other doors, as the other entryways are larger. As is most things in Oxford, there’s a story behind the door.
Charles Dodgson began his teaching career at Christ Church College in 1855. He arrived there as a student in 1851, but stayed on as faculty. The professor taught mathematics and was a popular teacher during his time. While Dodgson was there, he caught the attention of Dean Henry Lidell.
Dodgson lived across the courtyard from the Liddell family and would often visit the family. The Liddells had 10 kids, but three sisters took a liking to Dodgson and his stories. During his visits, he would make up stories to tell the sisters. Often , Dodgson also brought his camera, and he would photograph the children while he told them stories.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNYpk9aNnQx/?img_index=1
The Liddells invited Dodgson out on a boating outing one day, and he brought with him his vivid imagination. As usual, the girls wanted to hear a gripping story. Dodgson sat down and began telling them about a girl named “Alice,” who followed a rabbit down a hole. It is believed that the door that separated the courtyard from the Liddells and Alice’s adventurous spirit inspired the tale.
Dodgson would later change his name to Lewis Carroll and receive worldwide fame for his stories. Carroll, Alice, and the family are gone, but the door remains. If one looks closely at the doorknob, your imagination can take you to a place where Alice shrinks before attempting to open it.
Christ Church isn’t just a famous college, but an inspiration for movies like Harry Potter, X-Men, and countless other tales. It’s also where history and imagination collide. While walking around the normal Harry Potter touristy areas, stop for a moment outside Alice’s doorway, and appreciate where literary greatness was born.
Visit Southeast England assisted me on my trip through southeast England.
You might enjoy these other UK travel stories:
– Arundel
Arundel Castle is a Must-Visit for History Lovers, Photographers, and Little Ones Who Want to be knights
– Chawton
A Father and Daughter Visit Jane Austen’s England
– Hadrian’s Wall
Reliving the Dads4Kesem Hadrian’s Wall Hike
How an Ice Cream Truck Saved the Day During a Hike Across England
– London
Flying Down the River Thames on a Speedboat
Climbing the O2 Arena with My Son
A Speedboat Tour on the Thames is the Perfect Way to Start a London Vacation
Attending a Chelsea FC Match with My Son
Visiting Westminster Abbey
Visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London
Getting Lost on a Ghost Tour in London with My Son
Riding the Tootbus is a Great Way to See London’s Highlights
– Portsmouth
Escaping the Rain by Staying in the Lovely Queen’s Hotel
The Spinnaker Tower Looms Above Portsmouth Offering Beautiful Views of the Solent
Walking Through the Mary Rose and Touring the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
-Stratford-upon-Avon
3-Day Itinerary for Visiting Shakespeare’s England
Walking in Shakespeare’s Footsteps: A Father/Son Story
Visiting Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Where William Shakespeare’s Love Blossomed
Visiting Shakespeare’s Grave with My Son
Exploring Kenilworth Castle
Stepping Back in Time at Warwick Castle
– Whitchurch
Father and Daughter Weave Silk at the Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire
– Winchester
Winchester England’s Culinary Delights
Winchester 878 AD Interactive Experience was a Highlight for my Daughter During Our Trip to Southeast England
Visiting King Arthur’s Round Table at the Great Hall in Winchester
-Windsor
Visiting Windsor Castle