One of the many reasons I love Oxford is it's infinite layers of tradition. Yesterday was the Encaenia at Oxford -- the day the University awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women and commemorates its benefactors. For over 250 years the Encaenia has begun with Heads of Colleges and other University dignitaries assembling in full academic dress in a nearby college to enjoy Lord Crewe's Benefaction (peaches, strawberries and champagne), after which they walk in a procession to the Sheldonian Theatre.
The honorands this year were: The Reverend Katherine Jefferts Schori; Sir Anish Kapoor (Sculptor of Chicago's beloved "Bean" or Cloud Gate sculpture); Mr. Robert Silvers (founder of the New York Review of Books); Professor Jean-Marie Lehn; and Sir Harrison Birtwistle.
In Oxford, it is sometime hard to tell which decade or century it is.
The Sheldonian Theatre has been used for the Encaenia since it was completed in 1669.
The tourists were clearly enjoying watching dress-up day in Oxford.
The Encaenia Garden Party (or the Venerable Wizards Party as I call it) was held later in the afternoon and this year was at Saint Catherine's College.
Refreshments included champagne, scones and clotted cream, and the very British treat of strawberries and cream!
There were plenty of wizards about...
...all dressed up in their finest.
The Encaenia marks the end of the academic year at Oxford.
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