Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. All that remains of it now is the tower (also known as Martin’s Tower), which can be visited to get excellent views of the city of Oxford and its prominent landmarks.
The church to which the tower once belonged was an important parish church in Oxford. Its preservation offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural history, and the bell tower remains a symbol of the city’s heritage. Visitors can appreciate the blend of medieval architecture and learn about the role the church once played in the local community.
Carfax Tower is conveniently located at the junction of Oxford’s main streets: Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, St. Aldate’s, and High Street. It’s the perfect place to start or end a day exploring Oxford, as it sits at the heart of the city, close to shops, restaurants, and other famous landmarks like the Covered Market and Christ Church College.
The History of Carfax Tower
Carfax Tower used to belong to St. Martin’s Church, a 12-century building and the official City Church of Oxford between 1122 and 1896. The central part of this church was demolished to make room for road traffic, and the city church moved to All Saint’s Church.
Visiting Carfax Tower also provides insight into Oxford’s urban layout and its evolution. The name “Carfax” comes from the French word carrefour, meaning crossroads, which reflects the tower’s location at the city’s main intersection. Understanding this connection to Oxford’s geographical and cultural development adds depth to your visit.
Carfax Tower is 23 meters or 74 feet tall. By stipulation of the City Council, no other building in Oxford can be higher than it (a rule that was, in fact, broken by the Blavatnik School of Government). It’s a Grade II listed building, so it’s considered of particular architectural and historical interest and needs to be carefully preserved.
Carfax Tower and the Civil War
In 1644, during the English Civil War, Oxford served as the Royalist capital, and Carfax Tower likely witnessed key events as the city was a central location in the conflict. While there are no specific records of battles at the tower itself, its strategic location at the city’s heart made it a significant structure during this tumultuous period.
The Tower Used as a Fire Lookout
At various points in its history, Carfax Tower has been used as a fire lookout to spot potential blazes in Oxford’s narrow and congested streets. The elevated position provided an ideal vantage point for keeping an eye on the city’s safety.
When to Visit and What to See in Carfax Tower
You can climb up the 99 steps to the top of Carfax Tower to get a fantastic view of the city and its impressive spires. The tower still has a ring of six bells (five are recast from the original ring in 1676 and one two years later). You might be able to hear them occasionally (the Oxford Society of Change Ringers can do this).
The tower can be visited from 10 am to 3 pm November to February, 10 am to 4 pm in March, 10 am to 5 pm April to September, and 10 am to 4 pm in October.
Entry costs £3 for adults and £2 for children.
Carfax Tower and the University of Oxford
The Tower plays a role in University regulations. For example, this institution requires some students to live within six miles (or 9.7 kilometers) of it.
Where is Carfax Tower?
Carfax Tower is right on the corner of High Street and St. Aldates. You probably won’t miss it if you visit Oxford, but here are some instructions on how to get there.
If you’re already in the city centre, Carfax Tower is easily walkable. It’s a short distance from key landmarks like the Covered Market, Christ Church, and Oxford University colleges. Walking around central Oxford is one of the best ways to explore, as many attractions are close together. Several buses also run through Oxford city centre and stop near Carfax Tower. You can use buses that stop on Queen Street or St. Aldate’s, both of which are just a minute’s walk from the tower.
Related Locations
If you like towers, you’re in for a treat! Oxford has many others you can explore:
The Observatory Tower
The Observatory Tower is a prominent and historically significant part of the Radcliffe Observatory complex at Green Templeton College.
Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate
The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate was once by the North Gate in the walls of Oxford city. It was built in 1040.
St George’s Tower in Oxford Castle
St George’s Tower in Oxford Castle is one of two surviving towers in oxford. It was built around 1020 AD and is the oldest building in the city.
