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Offered languages
- English
- English
On this self-guided walking tour, you'll uncover centuries of executions, riots, and murders that shaped this seemingly genteel city. You'll also hear how religious persecution, medieval street violence, and courtroom curses left their mark on streets still walked today.
The tour starts close to where three Protestant bishops – Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer – were burned at the stake on the orders of Queen Mary I. You'll pass the History of Science Museum, now on the site of the world's first public museum, where fresh corpses from the town gallows were once delivered for dissection.
Winding through Brasenose Lane and along Cornmarket Street, you'll hear about a fatal midnight brawl between tailors and drapers, the city's extraordinary medieval murder rate, and the 1355 St Scholastica's Day Riot, which lasted three days and left dozens dead. The tour ends at Oxford Castle, where a condemned servant named Anne Greene was hanged in 1650 – and somehow survived.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at the Martyrs Memorial in Magdalen Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends at the Oxford Castle Prison.
Itinerary
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Martyrs' Memorial (Pass by)
You’ll pass by the Martyrs' Memorial, a striking monument commemorating the Ugandan Martyrs, whose faith and sacrifice hold great significance in the country’s history. Any costs related to visiting the memorial grounds are not covered in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Radcliffe Camera (Pass by)
You’ll pass by the Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its elegant circular design and its role as a reading room for the university’s library. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
St. Michael At The North Gate (Pass by)
You’ll pass by St Michael at the North Gate, one of Oxford’s oldest buildings, famous for its Saxon tower and centuries of history. Please note that entry to the church and tower is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Carfax Tower (Pass by)
You’ll pass by the Carfax Tower, the surviving tower of the former St Martin’s Church, offering panoramic views over the heart of Oxford. Please note that entry to the tower is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free -
Oxford Castle & Prison (Pass by)
You’ll pass by the Oxford Castle & Prison, a historic Norman castle and former prison where nearly 1,000 years of Oxford’s history come to life. Please note that entry to the castle and prison is not included in this tour.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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