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Oxford Castle and Prison
Oxford Castle was begun between 1071 and 1073 by the Norman baron Robert d'Oyly, as a motte and bailey to control the city. What survives is St George's Tower, which may have been a Saxon watchtower from around the year 1020, and the crypt of St George's chapel, endowed in 1074; the chapel was demolished in 1794 and the crypt was rebuilt with 11th-century Norman columns. The mound, about 18 metres high originally, holds a 13th-century well. In 1142 the Empress Matilda was besieged here by Stephen of Blois. After serving as a jail for centuries, the prison closed in 1996 and can now be visited with guides in costume, who take you through the crypt, the 18th-century cells and the 101 steps of St George's Tower.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Oxford Castle and Prison: 4 missions
- Walk round the castle moundFind the Norman mound, about 18 metres high originally, and see from its base what it commanded over the old castle.
- Go down into St George's cryptEnter the crypt of St George's chapel and look at the reused 11th-century Norman columns.
- Climb the 101 steps of the towerClimb the 101 steps of St George's Tower and look at Oxford from above.
- Step into a prison cellVisit the 18th-century cells of the former jail, closed in 1996.
Near Oxford Castle and Prison
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Oxford Castle and Prison?
Abierto de 10:00 a 17:30 (consultar el calendario de horarios de la web).
How much time do you need for Oxford Castle and Prison?
Allow about 1 h 30 min for the visit.
What is there to do at Oxford Castle and Prison?
Walk round the castle mound, Go down into St George's crypt, Climb the 101 steps of the tower and Step into a prison cell.
What is there to see near Oxford Castle and Prison?
Ashmolean Museum (462 m), Christ Church (539 m) and Sheldonian Theatre (621 m).