Which is the oldest university in England that is widely recognised as one of the oldest in the world?

Introduction / Context:
Universities with very long histories are often asked about in general knowledge examinations. England, in particular, is home to some of the oldest universities in the English speaking world. Knowing which institution is considered the oldest university in England helps students connect educational history with European cultural development. This question asks you to identify that oldest university by name.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question is about the oldest university in England.
- The options list several major British universities: Oxford, Cambridge, London, Durham, and Manchester.
- We assume the standard historical founding dates accepted in most educational references.

Concept / Approach:
The University of Oxford is generally regarded as the oldest university in England and one of the oldest universities in continuous operation anywhere in the world. Teaching at Oxford is known to have existed in some form by the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. The University of Cambridge, while also very old, was founded later than Oxford. The University of London, Durham University, and Manchester University are all more modern institutions by comparison. Therefore, the correct answer is the University of Oxford.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Oxford and Cambridge together are often referred to as Oxbridge and that both are ancient universities in England. Step 2: Remember that historical records place the origins of the University of Oxford earlier than those of the University of Cambridge. Step 3: Note that the University of London, Durham University, and the University of Manchester were established in the nineteenth century or later. Step 4: Compare the founding dates and identify Oxford as the earliest established university among the options. Step 5: Select University of Oxford as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
The status of Oxford as the oldest English university can be verified by looking at standard encyclopaedias or educational reference books, all of which state that Oxford has teaching traditions going back to the twelfth century. Cambridge was founded slightly later, partly by scholars moving from Oxford. Universities such as London, Durham, and Manchester are recognised as important but clearly belong to a much later period of educational expansion. This comparison confirms that Oxford is the oldest university in England listed among the choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
University of Cambridge: This is incorrect in this context because, although very old, it was founded after Oxford and is therefore not the oldest English university.
University of London: This is incorrect because it was founded in the nineteenth century and is much younger than Oxford or Cambridge.
Durham University: This is incorrect because it was established in the nineteenth century and is not among the very oldest universities.
Manchester University: This is incorrect because it is a more modern institution compared with the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse which of the two famous universities, Oxford or Cambridge, came first and may choose Cambridge by mistake. A helpful memory aid is to associate Oxford with earlier medieval foundations and Cambridge as a later scholarly development that emerged in part from Oxford people. Remembering Oxford as the senior among English universities will help you answer many history and general knowledge questions accurately.

Final Answer:
The oldest university in England is the University of Oxford.