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Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was initially known as "Oxenaforda", meaning "Ford of the Ox"; fords being more commonly used than bridges at that time.[2] It began with the foundation of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century, and was first mentioned in written records in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 912. In the 10th century Oxford became an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and was on several occasions raided by Danes. St Frideswide is the patron saint of both the city and university.

The centre of Oxford is dominated by the University colleges, the most famous being Christ Church, Trinity, and Balliol (from a total of thirty six).

Most visitors orient themselves around Carfax, a crossroads in the very centre of the town. From here stretches The High to the east – ‘One of the world’s great streets’ (Nikolaus Pevsner), St. Aldates to
the south leading down to the river, Cornmarket to the north and Queen Street to the west – the latter two being the main shopping streets of Oxford.

The city center

As well as being a major draw for tourists Oxford City Center contains many shops, several theaters, and an ice rink. The historical buildings make this location a popular target for film and TV crews.

The city center is relatively small, and is centered on Carfax, Oxford, a cross-roads on which a clock tower stands, and which forms the junction of Cornmarket Street (pedestrianised), Queen Street
(semi-pedestrianized), St Aldate's and The High. Cornmarket Street and Queen Street are home to Oxford's various chain stores, as well as a small number of independent retailers, St Aldate's has few shops but is the location of a number of local-government buildings, including the Town Hall, the city police station and local council offices. The High has a number of independent and high-end chain stores.