Oxford Castle
Ultimate Guide to the Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the western side of central Oxford. The castle has played a key part in the history of Oxford, not least when the English Civil War broke out and the Royalists made Oxford their capital. The castle was eventually besieged by the Parliamentarians, forcing the Royalists to retreat into New College causing a huge amount of damage that can still be seen today. During the civil war the castle started being used as a prison, with gallows to execute prisoners.
The last execution in Oxford took place in 1952. The person led to the gallows was Oliver Butler, who was sentenced to death for the murder of his 21-year-old girlfriend Rose Meadows. At the time of his death Butler was 23.
Nowadays much of the prison has been converted to an upmarket hotel, and guests can stay in the original prison cells at considerable expense. You can find out more about the Oxford Prison and more on our highly rated Oxford Walking Tour. Click here to find out more about Footprints’ Oxford Walking Tours!
Opening hours: Specific tour times, please refer to the website
Getting Here By Tube
Oxford Train Station
Getting Here By Bus
High Street Bus Stop T3, T3, L3, L1, L2, T1, T2
Getting Here By Car
Broad Street Car Park, 52 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BS
VISIT THIS SITE ON AN OXFORD PRIVATE TOUR
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on a private Oxford Walking Tour!
For more information, click here