Place Name
As with neighbouring streets this street was laid out over land owned and developed by Magdalen College, Oxford from the early 1930s. All the streets were named in connection with the college and the university, in this Isis is the name for the River Thames as it passes through Oxford. The Roman (Latin) name for the river was Tamesis. Over time, Tamesis was split into two parts: Thame for the upper river and Isis for the stretch flowing through Oxford. The use of Isis likely reflects classical influences, as the name recalls the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, associated with rivers and water. The distinction between the Thames and the Isis has been particularly emphasized by the university rowing community and locals in Oxford. This road was developed over land which was part of Brentwood Farm (previously Garratt Farm) that was in the manor of All Farthing. A least a part of the manor was owned by Thomas Sheppard (1728 – 1814) a Doctor of Divinity from Magdalen College in 1747, and then a Fellow in 1749. When he died his fortune was left to his wife Sophia Sheppard, who became a generous benefactor to her husband’s former college, leaving them extensive land in Earlsfield.
