Oxford University: Stories from the Archives

This volume presents fifty-two stories from the institutional archive of Oxford University, which holds records spanning just over eight hundred years.

Established in 1634 and based in the Bodleian Library, the Archives of Oxford University document the University’s activities and decisions throughout that time.

This volume showcases fifty-two documents and objects from the University Archives, telling a wide range of intriguing stories about the University. Arranged chronologically, these items deal with the University’s relations with governments and monarchs; the effects of war; teaching and student behavior; the University’s buildings and institutions; widening access to university education; and the impact the University has had on the city of Oxford and its people. Also documented here are fascinating insights into the University’s erstwhile police force, a hidden time capsule, brewing licenses, brawls, and illicit steeplechasing.

The items also often unlock human stories to which we can relate today, opening a window on the individuals (from University, city, or even further afield) whose lives the University has touched, including people who would perhaps not be expected to feature in a history of Oxford University, but whose stories are preserved forever in its magnificent archives.

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Things to Do in Oxford

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.

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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.

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Museums & Art Galleries

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.

Oxford Christ Church College, Canterbury Quadrangle. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art museum holding an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and almost 2,000 drawings and is one of the most important private

Historical Places

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!).

24-26 Cornmarket Street. Image courtesy of Chuca Cimas.

24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford

24-26 Cornmarket Street, in Oxford, is a timber-framed building built in the late 14th century. It belonged to a wine merchant who ran it as an inn, the “New Inn”.

Parks & Meadows

Oxford Parks and Meadows: Oxford Canal - A Breath-taking Walk

Oxford Canal

Oxford Canal is a breath-taking option if you’re looking for an enjoyable walk close to the city. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Brasenose Woods in Oxford

Brasenose Wood

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

Oxford University Parks. Image courtesy of Piers Nye via Flickr Commons.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.