St George’s Tower in Oxford Castle. Image courtesy of Tejvan Pettinger

Visiting Oxford > What to See > Historical Places

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 (we’re not sure when, exactly) AD. Nearly 25 meters high (it might have been higher when first built), the tower is the oldest building in Oxford.

The tower was built as a watchtower near the West gate of the city. It then became part of the original motte-and-bailey Castle – which was pulled down around 1300. The tower was then incorporated into the curtain wall of the new castle, which was built in stone.

The walls at the base of the tower measure 2,7 meters thick. Moats and streams on both sides made it inaccessible. 

Can you Visit St George's Tower?

If you are visiting Oxford, you can climb the tower and admire the awe-inspiring view. The tower is a clear statement of military power and a must-see if you are in the city.

Related to This Place

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.

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!).

READ »
Antiques on High - Oxford Museums, Art Galleries and Antiques Shops

Antiques on High

Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Shotover Country Park in Oxford

Shotover Country Park

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Crocodiles of the World: The UK's Only Crocodile Zoo

Crocodiles of the World

Crocodiles of the World is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Oxfordshire and dedicated to crocodiles and their relatives.

Oxford Hotels: The Randolph Hotel. How to Visit, When to Stay

The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel, situated in the heart of Oxford, stands as a distinguished landmark of the city, attracting guests from around the world.

READ »
Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford has more than 100 stores featuring prestigious luxury brands and beloved high-street choices.

READ »
Barefoot Jericho - Cakes in Oxford

Barefoot Jericho

Barefoot offers homemade cakes, pastries and bread, delicious coffee for eat-in or takeaway in the neighbourhood of Jericho, in Oxford.

READ »
Shops to See in Oxford: The Cake Shop - Cakes for Any Occasion

The Cake Shop

The Cake Shop offers ready-made designs and bespoke masterpieces and has been trading since 1986 in Oxford’s Covered Market.

READ »