OXFORD CASTLE AND PRISON

The partly ruined Oxford castle was built in 1071 for William, the conqueror. It was largely destroyed after the English Civil War since it was used as a prison for destructed Royalists. Most of the original wooden structures and bailey castles were replaced with stone in the late 12th or beginning of the 13th century.

The public is allowed to visit the castle and the prison by booking a guide for a tour. The tours are led by knowledgeable costumed guides, and booking is suggested though at times not necessary. The price is 12.95 GBP for adults. The prison which is converted into a four-star hotel, the boutique hotel, Malmaison Oxford would give a whole different level of experience. 

Discover an enjoyable overview of Oxford’s remarkable history including the history behind the mound of the 11-th century castle with the help of your tour guide. Get to explore the Norman castle’s medieval remains, from the prison to the 900-year-old crypt. You can also clamber up the castle’s original medieval motte nearby by paying £1, or with your tour ticket. The castle’s original medieval motte is an artificial hill built by 200 Saxon slaves that’s now just a grassy mound, topped by two spreading trees.

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Highlights

• Witness the beauty of the important structure of the castle, the St. George’s tower and now it is believed to have been a watchtower at the western gate of the old town.
• The spectacular view over the city from St. George’s Tower is one of the best places to see in Oxford and it is one of the four towers on the city walls.
• Descend into the atmospheric crypt, along the 18th-century prison wing and man-made Arabic mound.
• Head to Oxford’s first formal teaching venue, the 11th-century crypt of St. George Chapel, and continue to learn about the daring escapes, grisly lives, and cruel punishments of various Victorian inmates in Debtor’s tower.