Why aren't people allowed to walk in this part of Oxford?

Question

When I visited last year, I noticed that people would constantly yelled at or prevented from walking in this part of the school: http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i166/cisse_sensation/Oxford08087.jpg

(Ignore the people, it was the best picture I could find)

Also, what is the name of this area? I tried searching through "The Golden Compass" filming locations (as I'm almost completely sure it was used in the movie), but I couldn't find a match.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I can't say that I recognise that particular college (it's not called a 'school' - over here school is something that kids go to) but it looks like the patch of grass that you're referring to is what is called 'quad' (short for quadrangle).  It's the piece of grass within the 'courtyard' style area and the vast majority of colleges in Oxford have them.  Some colleges let you walk on them, some don't; it's just a matter of what the policy of that particular college is.  If their policy is for people to not walk on the quad then they tend to police it with fervour.

Answer 2

It looks like Christchurch College to me, I could be wrong though as they all look pretty similar to me. Some parts of the colleges are private bits that people live and work in, and they're protective of the grass so it looks pretty for photos.  

Answer 3

It's the famous Tom Tower at Christchurch College

Photo here

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:...

You can't walk on the grass in these quadrangles. There are notices up to stop you.

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