OXFORD CASTLE

Oxfordshire

The Castle in Oxford has a long history - the earliest Castle being built by the Conqueror. Oxford had been a fortified town before the Conquest, and the Normans turned these fortifications into the City Walls, of which the Castle formed one corner (standard Norman planning!).

The defences, Castle included, were rebuilt in stone from 1226; mostly to try and control the ferocious "Town and Gown" fighting.  Little of this defensive work now exists, and of the Castle only the large motte and the Tower, known as St. George's (pictured) are left.  Most of the other defences were destroyed during the Civil War when Oxford was one of the staunchest of all Royalist strongholds.  There is some argument as to what St. George's Tower is - is it the earliest keep ... a tower from the walls ... or even a campanile for St. George's Chapel?

Oxford Castle was beseiged three times; once during the Anarchy when Queen Matilda escaped across the frozen River Thames dressed in white camouflage, once during the 1216 rebellion and finally in the Civil War when Oxford was the last town to fall to the Parliamentarians and paid dearly for the privilege.

The motte and Tower are open on certain days throughout the year.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2001