As the daylight faded, I made this sketch from outside 37 St Giles, Estagun House.
St Giles is the name of the road going North out of Oxford, and also of the Church, which where the road starts. There has been a “St Giles” church near Oxford from at least 1120.
“St Giles is supposed to have protected a wounded deer from hunters, and images of him usually show him accompanied by a deer pierced by an arrow. Many churches dedicated to St Giles are situated just outside city limits, where they could minister particularly to those who resembled the wounded deer – the weak and defenceless, such as lepers and beggars, who might not be welcomed into the city. Today, the St Giles congregation continues this tradition by working with the homeless.” [St Giles Church website]
The building is from 1200, the lower part of the tower in the drawing is 13th century. The top was altered in the 15th century.
Behind the tower, you see a crane, which is building part of Somerville College.
I was staying in St Benets Hall, 38 St Giles. Here is the view from the window.
Jane Sketching 