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was virtually certain of that. As the coach drew into St…

“was virtually certain of that. As the coach drew into St. Giles’, the sky was an open blue, and the sunlight gleamed on the cinnamon-coloured stone along the broad tree-lined avenue. “Here we are, in St. Giles.’ ” (Ashenden slipped into over-drive now.) “You can see the plane trees on either side…” quote by Colin Dexter
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““was virtually certain of that. As the coach drew into St. Giles’, the sky was an open blue, and the sunlight gleamed on the cinnamon-coloured stone along the broad tree-lined avenue. “Here we are, in St. Giles.’ ” (Ashenden slipped into over-drive now.) “You can see the plane trees on either side of us, ablaze with the beautifully golden tints of autumn—and, on the left here, St. John’s College—and Balliol just beyond. And here in front of us, the famous Martyrs’ Memorial, modelled on the Eleanor Crosses of Edward the First, and designed by Gilbert Scott to honour the great Protestant martyrs—Cranmer and Latimer and, er …” “Nicholas Ridley,” supplied Mrs. Roscoe, as the coach turned right at the traffic lights and almost immediately pulled in on the left of Beaumont Street beneath the tall neo-Gothic façade of The Randolph Hotel. “At last!” cried Laura Stratton, with what might have been””

Colin Dexter

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator describes a vivid autumn scene in St. Giles, noting historic landmarks and the coach’s journey.

In simple terms: A detailed, atmospheric description of a travel moment.

Key Takeaway

Observe surroundings to enrich experience.

Themes

travel history description

Mood

descriptive evocative

Type

literary historical

When to use this quote

  • tourism
  • historical study
  • creative writing
  • photography

Key Concepts

sensory detail place‑setting historical context

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does the setting evoke?
  • How does setting influence character mood?
A Different Perspective

May distract from plot progression.

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