Oxford Castle
Local highlightThe Norman castle and later prison in the heart of Oxford, with a climbable Saxon tower and a grassy motte
Open to visitorscheck opening times and admission before you go
Substantial ruinsruined, but plenty survives above ground
Oxford Castle sits close to the River Thames on the west side of Oxford’s old centre, a little apart from the famous colleges. Robert D’Oyly, one of William the Conqueror’s followers, threw up the first castle here in 1071, and the tall, square St George’s Tower that still stands is among the oldest buildings in the city. Beside it is the motte, the grassy Norman earth mound, with a well chamber cut down inside it.
The castle’s best story comes from the civil war known as the Anarchy. In 1142 the Empress Matilda was besieged inside by her rival King Stephen, and in the depths of winter she slipped out and crossed the frozen river and snow-covered fields, said to have dressed in white so the guards would not spot her. For centuries afterwards the site was Oxford’s county gaol, and it went on serving as a working prison right up until 1996.
Today part of the site is open as a paid visitor attraction where you can climb St George’s Tower and the motte for a view over the rooftops, while some of the old prison has been turned into a hotel. It is an easy walk from the middle of Oxford, close to the River Thames and the Oxford Canal, and a short stroll from Carfax Tower at the crossroads in the centre of town.
More at the National Heritage List entry
