The castle was originally built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, to enable the Normans to control the area. A prison was built within the castle, which continued to be in use until 1996.
The prison was mainly used to house prisoners from Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and also the University's 'rebellious scholars' (as recorded in 1236). From 1613 until 1785, the prison and castle were owned by Christ Church, who leased the jail (gaol) to prison keepers. In 1785 it was redeveloped into a prison and house of correction, with a tower on which they held public executions. The last execution was in 1863.
A large, grassy mound, St. George's Tower, and the base of a round tower still remain.
Up and Coming Events at the Castle:
All talks take place at The Key Learning Centre, Oxford Castle - Unlocked, 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY. To book, call 01865 260668 or visit Oxford Castle - Unlocked
17th – 25th October
Ghost Fest
A week jam packed with ghostly going’s on to amaze and terror! Events include pumpkin carving, over night Ghost hunts, spirit sensing lectures, mediumship demonstrations and lots more… For full details of ticket prices and how to book please visit www.ghostfest.co.uk
27th - 31st October
Bird's Eye Oxford : Big Draw at Oxford Castle
Follow up a visit to the stunning 'Earth from the Air' exhibition at Oxford Castle by drawing your own bird's eye view at Oxford Castle - Unlocked. Using aerial photographs of Oxford's historic buildings as inspiration we will be creating colour ful artwork based on the city's famous skyline. All ages welcome.
£1 per child
11am-3pm - allow approx 30 minutes for the activity.
1st November 11am – 12.30pm
Oxford & Paris: a peripheral vision
Artists Barbaresi & Round have spent the last year corresponding between Oxford and Paris, exploring areas around the Oxford ring road and the Parisian Périphérique. They will present their discoveries and comparisons and discuss wider issues of territory and town planning.
1st November 2pm - 4pm
Oxford Inside Out - Family workshop aimed at 6-12yrs
How would you like other people to remember or think about your city? Make your own quirky takes on the traditional postcard of Oxford. By cutting, drawing, sticking and collaging, this workshop will encourage you to transform well known views with your own visions and imagery. Please bring digital images or prints of places you like going to e.g. playgrounds, walks, your home, friends' homes. We can print from usb memory sticks. Advance booking on 01865 260668. No unaccompanied children. £3 per child.
28th November
Winter Light
As part of Oxford Inspires White Night, an illuminating event taking place across the City, Unlocked will open its doors for special late night ghost tours. Prepare to be scared! Normal admission charges apply.
2nd and 4th December
Pegasus School
Pegasus Primary School production returns to Oxford Castle - Unlocked for a 2nd year.
9th December 6pm-7.30pm
Oxford’s Remarkable Medieval Jewish Quarter
Many Oxonians are unaware that one of the world's best documented medieval Jewish quarters existed beneath their feet, largely in the city centre south of Carfax. This vibrant community disappeared utterly in 1290, but still managed to leave its ghostly imprint on Oxford to the present day. Come find it with Jewry historian Pam Manix.
Food and Drink at the castle
Carluccio's Caffe
42 Oxford Castle
01865 249738
Tootsies Burgers
41 Oxford Castle
01865 791715
Ha!Ha! Bar & Canteen
40 Oxford Castle
07890 292764
O3 Art Gallery
Oxford Castle
01865 201782
Pizza Express
6 Oxford Castle
01865 723400
Prezzo
2 Oxford Castle
01865 791748
La Tasca Tapas Bar
5 Oxford Castle
01865 246464
Malmaison Hotel
3 Oxford Castle
0845 365 4247
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Entranceway
01865 794211
Cafe Food
Adjacent to Mound
01865 205034