Oxford History

Take a look at Oxford’s history through our original stories and reports. Learn more about the city and its surroundings, plan historic walks and get carried away by this wonderful place. We have categorized all relevant information into two groupings: Articles about the history of Oxford (featured right below this paragraph) and places of interest in the city and its surroundings. 

Featured Stories

Best Oxford Historical Places

Take a look through some of the best historic places in Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Oxford's Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).

More »
Mob Quad, Merton College. Image courtesy of Caro Wallis

Mob Quad in Merton College

Mob Quad in Merton College is probably the oldest quadrangle in Oxford. The quad is so old, it actually doesn’t have any chimneys! (they weren’t in widespread use in England

More »
Christ Church Cathedral - Oxford. Image courtesy of Randy Connolly

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is perhaps the most stunning college chapel in Oxford. It was built as a place of worship in the late 12th century. Though one of England’s smallest

More »
Oxford Sandford Lock - Places to See Around Oxford. Oxford Walks.

Oxford Sandford Lock

Sandford Lock is a great place to start and end walks around Oxford. A very peaceful location, it has a pub nearby, the King’s Arms. This is a very important

More »
Oxford Castle and Prison - Image courtesy of Meraj Chhaya

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996. What’s the History of Oxford Castle?

More »
Bodleian Library - Entrance. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see. Anyone visiting Oxford should make a stop

More »
Oxford Christ Church College - Image courtesy ofArnaud Malon

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges. What’s the History of Oxford’s

More »

Things to Do in Oxford

Looking for things to do and enjoy while you’re in Oxford? Here are some suggestions, from quirky shops to escape rooms, art galleries, and sports. 

The Ultimate Picture Palace Oxford

The Ultimate Picture Palace

The Ultimate Picture Palace (or UPP) is Oxford’s only independent cinema and one of the oldest cinemas in the United Kingdom. They show a mix of independent, mainstream, international, and

Read More >