Oxford Castle Prison

Oxford Castle Prison UNLOCK 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY

Dive into fascinating tales of traitors, royals and rebels, led by expert costumed guides.
(529)

Hear vivid stories of those who lived, worked and served time within these ancient walls. For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle have been unlocked revealing episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Walk through these ancient buildings and experience the stories that connect the real people to these extraordinary events. Experience the aus

tere confines of the 18th-century Debtor’s tower and Prison D-wing, and the dark atmosphere of the 900-year old underground Crypt; marvel at the Mound of the 11th-century motte and bailey castle with vaulted well chamber; climb the Norman St George’s Tower, now open for the first time in its history, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views over Oxford. Visit Oxford Castle and uncover the secrets for yourself!

It’s World Bee Day 🐝Did you know the oldest known alcoholic drink is made from honey? Mead actually predates both wine a...
20/05/2026

It’s World Bee Day 🐝

Did you know the oldest known alcoholic drink is made from honey? Mead actually predates both wine and beer ✨

Raise a glass and celebrate our pollinating pals with a quality mead from our gift shop 🍯🍷

Oxford Castle & Prison’s stone walls were built to keep people in. Yet some still found a way out...For the first time, ...
13/05/2026

Oxford Castle & Prison’s stone walls were built to keep people in. Yet some still found a way out...

For the first time, learn about the Great Escapes of Oxford Prison. Hear how prisoners fled, the dangers they faced, and what followed alongside 18th-century Gaoler, Solomon Wisdom. Walk inside the very prison they escaped from on this special evening tour.

Unlock the stories these walls hold 👉 https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/whats-on/the-great-escapes-of-oxford-prison/

On this day in History ⌚ A 13‑year‑old girl named Elizabeth was charged with stealing a silver watch worth £1. This amou...
04/05/2026

On this day in History ⌚

A 13‑year‑old girl named Elizabeth was charged with stealing a silver watch worth £1. This amount of money in 1898 is the eqivalent of £168.71 today. The watch went missing after she helped tend to a labourer’s wife in their home. It had last been left on the mantel shelf by the husband, only to go missing by the next morning.

After quiet whispers in the town and a visit to a local pawnbroker, the missing watch was shortly found in better condition than it had vanished in. The pawnbroker said he did not buy it at first. Elizabeth told him the labourer needed the money to help pay for his wife’s care, but this story was later found to be untrue. He gave her 2 shillings and promised to keep the watch and repair it until the labourer returned to collect it.

In court, Elizabeth shared she was facing hardships. Her father had died 10 years ago and her mother was bedridden. Despite this, the court sentenced her to ten days in Oxford Gaol and followed by reformatory school for two years.

Do you think this sentence was fair? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments

🫣 On this day in history 🫣An article was published recounting the case of a labourer from Marston who was convicted afte...
30/04/2026

🫣 On this day in history 🫣

An article was published recounting the case of a labourer from Marston who was convicted after throwing a pitchfork at a member of New Inn Hall. He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment at Oxford Prison, then known as Oxford County Gaol.

However, this was not the end of his offending. Just weeks later, he seriously injured an undergraduate from Oriel College by thrusting a pitchfork into his leg. Following his repeated violence, two county magistrates committed him to the summer assizes to stand trial.

If this case were to have happened today, how do you think it would be handled? 🤔

Can you correctly identify the UK's female prisoner population percentage? 🚺At the end of 2025, was it...a)1.3%b)2.8%c)3...
25/04/2026

Can you correctly identify the UK's female prisoner population percentage? 🚺
At the end of 2025, was it...

a)1.3%
b)2.8%
c)3.9%

Make your guess in the comments below!

We're a Finalist! ✨We are delighted to be shortlisted for Best Family Experience at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, alongsid...
22/04/2026

We're a Finalist! ✨

We are delighted to be shortlisted for Best Family Experience at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, alongside some brilliant attractions, heritage sites, and museums. A big thank you to everyone who nominated us!

Did you love your visit to Oxford Castle & Prison?
Please help us win by voting here 👉 https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/

While you’re there, why not show some love to your other favourite finalists across the categories too!

Address

44 Oxford Castle
Oxford
OX11AY

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oxford Castle Prison posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Oxford Castle Prison:

Shortcuts

Share

Category