C. S. Lewis Tour--Oxford

Our first stop in Oxford was for lunch at the Eagle & Child pub where the Inklings met on Tuesday mornings for many years.

From there we made our way to Magdalen College where we stood outside Lewis' rooms and read about his conversion to theism from Surprised by Joy. We also went for a stroll around Addison's Walk and read Lewis' letter to Arthur Greeves where he described his return to Christian faith under the influence of his friends, Tolkien and Dyson.

After our time at Magdalen, we checked into the Eastgate Hotel (pictured below). Our home away from home for our two days in Oxford.

The Eastgate often served as a meeting location for C. S. Lewis with various friends, including Joy Davidman. The reason for this is because the Eastgate is conveniently located across the street from Magdalen whose 500 year old tower is pictured below.

On Sunday morning we went to worship at Holy Trinity Church, Headington Quarry, where C. S. Lewis attended worship services for over 30 years.

We admired the Narnia window inside the church.

And we enjoyed the opportunity to receive Holy Communion at the same altar rail where the Lewis brothers knelt and worshipped for so many years.

Outside the church we stood at the Lewis brothers' grave and read the inscription. We thought it appropriate that a cat joined us at graveside considering what an animal lover Lewis was.

After lunch we enjoyed a delightful tour of The Kilns, C. S. Lewis' home for over 30 years.

Once again, we were joined by a neighborhood cat....

I was informed by Walter Hooper (pictured below) that the cat is named Warnie. However, Walter and I both agreed that the cat must think that she is Mrs. Moore, given her penchant for guarding the Kilns.

Walter gave us a marvelous talk all about the brief time he spent as Lewis' secretary during the last summer of Lewis' life in 1963.

It is always difficult for me to say goodbye to Oxford and all of its architectural grandeur and beauty.

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Will Vaus

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