Historical Background
Early Norman Period (1071-1100)
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, William the Conqueror ordered castles to be built at strategic locations. Oxford, an important settlement at the confluence of the rivers Thames and Cherwell, was one such location.
Around 1071, the Norman baron Robert D'Oyly began building a motte-and-bailey castle on land granted to him by William. It was positioned to dominate the west bank of the River Thames and control an ancient route through the shallow waters.
- The motte This artificial mound was approximately 12 meters high and 30 meters in diameter at its base. A wooden tower, or keep, stood on top, serving as the lord’s residence and the castle’s main defensive stronghold.
- The bailey Enclosed by a wooden palisade and ditch, this open area around the motte contained barracks, workshops, kitchens and stables.
Fortification and Expansion (12th-13th Centuries)
During the Anarchy, the English civil war of 1135–1154, Oxford Castle was fiercely contested, besieged and captured multiple times. The conflict highlighted the need for stronger defenses.
- Stone keep In the late 12th century, the original wooden keep on the motte was replaced by a stone structure, St. George’s Tower. Its cylindrical design provided greater protection against fire and attack.
- Stone walls and gatehouse The bailey’s defenses were strengthened with stone walls and a gatehouse. The heavily fortified entrance had twin towers and a portcullis, a wooden grille that could be lowered to seal the gateway.
Royal Residence and Prison (14th-16th Centuries)
By the 14th century, the castle’s military importance had begun to decline. It served primarily as a royal residence, and King Edward II held Parliament at Oxford in 1327. Its role gradually shifted towards imprisonment.
From the 14th century onwards, the castle housed common criminals, debtors and prisoners of war. Its dungeons beneath the motte became notorious for their harsh conditions. During the English Reformation in the 16th century, it was also used to imprison religious dissenters, including Protestants during the reign of Queen Mary I.
English Civil War and Decline (17th Century)
During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Oxford was a Royalist stronghold besieged by Parliamentarian forces, and the castle played a role in the city’s defense. It sustained significant damage from artillery bombardment. St. George’s Tower was particularly badly hit and partially destroyed.
After the Royalist surrender in 1646, the castle came under Parliamentarian control. It continued to be used as a prison, but its military significance had effectively ended.
18th Century Onwards - Transformation and Preservation
The castle remained a prison after the Civil War, with conditions becoming notorious for squalor and overcrowding. Prison reformer John Howard visited in the 1770s and documented its deplorable state. His work contributed to the Penitentiary Act of 1779, which aimed to improve prison conditions.
In 1785, the decision was made to close the castle as a prison. A new prison, designed along more humane lines, was built nearby, while the castle buildings fell into disrepair and were partially demolished.
In the early 19th century, the former castle bailey was redeveloped as the site of the new Oxfordshire County Hall. Architect Daniel Harris incorporated surviving castle structures into his design, including the mound, the shell of St. George’s Tower and sections of the bailey wall.
Interest in preserving the castle’s remains grew during the 20th century, alongside archaeological excavations and restoration work. In the late 20th century, the site was opened to the public as a heritage attraction.
What to See
Visitors can explore the motte, climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, descend into the 900-year-old crypt, and visit the atmospheric Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing. The site brings together remains from the castle’s Norman origins, its time as a royal residence and its history as a prison.
Photographic Spots
- St. George’s Tower Offers panoramic views of Oxford.
- The motte Provides a vantage point for photographs of the castle grounds.
- The crypt An atmospheric location for interior photographs.
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours
Oxford Castle is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Special hours may apply during holidays and special events. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance:
- Adults: £12
- Children (5-15 years): £8
- Seniors (60+): £10
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): £35
Discounted tickets are available for groups and educational tours.
Accessibility
The site has ramps, lifts and accessible restrooms. Guided tours are also available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
Special Events and Tours
Oxford Castle offers guided tours and special events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, night tours and educational workshops. Check the official website for the latest schedule and booking information.
Travel Tips
Spring and autumn are described as the best times to visit, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Oxford Castle is accessible by public transport. Oxford Station is a 10-minute walk away, and several bus routes serve the area. Parking is available nearby for visitors driving.
For more information, visit the official Oxford Castle website. The original visitor information also invites readers to download the Audiala mobile app for more historical insights and follow the site on social media for updates and special offers.
Nearby Attractions
Other historical sites and attractions in Oxford include:
- University of Oxford The world-renowned university, with its colleges and libraries.
- Bodleian Library One of the oldest libraries in Europe.
- Christ Church Cathedral A cathedral with a rich history and distinctive architecture.
- Ashmolean Museum The world’s first university museum, housing a collection of art and antiquities.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for Oxford Castle?
Oxford Castle is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours and special events.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets cost £12 for adults, £8 for children, £10 for seniors and £35 for a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children). Discounts are available for groups and educational tours.
Is Oxford Castle accessible?
Yes. The site has ramps, lifts and accessible restrooms.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes. Oxford Castle offers guided tours and special events throughout the year. Check the official website for the latest schedule and booking information.
