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Offered languages
- English
Why is being ‘medieval’ seen as an insult? Why are we fascinated with the idea of 'horrible histories'?
Modern media has fostered the stereotype that people in the Middle Ages were uniquely backwards, superstitious, violent, and dirty.
Join us on a tour that delves into medieval Oxford, uncovering the complexity of life in the past, while debunking the many myths of 'medieval' times. This tour will explore long-lasting similarities with how people acted centuries ago, while discussing how historic tensions have lasted to this day.
This tour lasts for about 1.5hrs.
Our tours are academically researched and led by experts. They incorporate active discussion and ask questions about historical memory, controversial histories, and the impacts of discrimination on the city and university.
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, but please note some mild uneven pavement in the city centre. Distance walked is less than 2km.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet our guide outside of the main entrance to the Oxford Castle & Prison. Guide will be wearing a vest and holding our company tote bag.
Tour finishes on Cornmarket Street in central Oxford.
Itinerary
-
1Oxford Castle & Prison
Begin tour at the Oxford Castle and learn about its long history as a fortification and prison.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Pause to learn about medieval life and humour outside the castle of Oxford.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Follow the edge of the medieval city wall to Greyfriars Place and discuss the long history of heresy and prosecution in the city.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Cross Brewer Street to learn about medieval begging laws and student funding in the past.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Christ Church
Stop at the grand entrance to Christ Church College and learn about the historic Jewish communities who used to occupy the city centre.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Oriel College
Out side of Oriel College, learn about historic divisions of labour in the city and the inherent tensions between the Town and the Gown.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Finish the tour outside the Anglo-Saxon tower of St. Michael at the North Gate to engage with topics of historical memory and the fascination with horrible histories.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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