The Emperors heads...

Thanks to everyone for all the "happy Birthday" messages fom yesterday! I will reply to everyone individually very soon, but didn't get back until late tonight. Your good wishes are much appreciated... x
No-one really quite knows what these stone heads are meant to signifiy, but they are usually called "The Emperors heads". Originally 14 heads were commissioned by Sir Christopher Wren in 1669 and all but one survived until 1868. They were then replaced, but the replacements were made of poor quality stone so didn't weather well. This third and current set date from 1972. Each head has a different and distinctive beard, causing some speculation that the heads were designed to represent the history of beards...
Left Oxford in the rain, enjoyed bright sunshine during most of the journey back up North, then arrived back home to sleet and snow....