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Broad Street to Brideshead

Broad Street to Brideshead

Written by: Oxford Writers' House
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Join Oxford University student Nancy Gittus for a journey into the heart of a university and city that have shaped some of the world’s greatest literature. From the worried jottings of Samuel Johnson to the fiery sermons of John Donne, Nancy uncovers the way Oxford’s libraries, traditions, tutors, rivalries, and chance encounters left a lasting impression on generations of writers.

© 2026 Broad Street to Brideshead
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Episodes
  • Episode Seven: Fiona Pearce
    Jun 13 2026

    In this episode, we're joined by Fiona Pearce for a conversation that ranges across books, writing, and the communities that sustain them. Together, we reflect on the role Oxford has played in her journey, the people and places that have influenced her work, and the ways in which her writing and thinking has evolved over time. Join us for a thoughtful discussion about creativity, connection, and the enduring importance of literature in bringing people together.

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    40 mins
  • Episode Six: Amitav Ghosh
    Mar 16 2026

    In this episode, we’re joined by acclaimed novelist Amitav Ghosh for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling in an age of crisis. Ghosh, who holds two Lifetime Achievement awards and four honorary doctorates and has been named as one of the most important global thinkers of the last decade, reflects on his work as a writer: from anthropology to journalism, fiction to academic work. This thoughtful interview explores how stories can help us see the world—and our responsibilities within it—more clearly.

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    30 mins
  • Episode Five: Vera Brittain
    Feb 15 2026

    In this episode of Broad Street to Brideshead, we explore the life and legacy of Vera Brittain—writer, feminist, pacifist, and one of the most powerful literary witnesses of the First World War. Best known for Testament of Youth, Brittain transformed personal loss into a work that reshaped how war, memory, and women’s experience are written and understood. At the heart of this episode is a conversation with Mark Bostridge, author of Vera Brittain: A Life, who brings fresh insight into Brittain’s Oxford years, her literary friendships, and the moral seriousness that defined both her writing and her public stance.

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    46 mins
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