Sunken Cathedral

Oxford's famous Sunken Cathedral is located in the middle of Magdalen Street, between the east and west halves.

The cathedral dates from the antiquity of the city, but in the late 16th century, when the accumulated weight of ornaments, treasures and various architectural follies finally became too much for the soft, waterlogged soil of Oxford, and it began to sink. Christ Church was quickly designated as temporary cathedral, but since all efforts to prevent or reverse the sinking have so far failed, this has become essentially permanent.

The spire is still visible, sitting at the bottom end of St Giles, and steps descend to parts of the building from either side.

Category Oxford Geography