Getting Medieval: Uncomfortable Oxford Tour
44-46 Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1AY
Why is being ‘medieval’ seen as an insult? Why are we fascinated with the idea of ‘horrible histories’? Modern
media has fostered the stereotype that people in the Middle Ages were uniquely backwards, superstitious, violent,
and dirty. Yet a closer look at Medieval history reveals that the concerns of people in the past had many
similarities with our concerns today.
This tour will explore how historic tensions echo in the modern era, while challenging many of the assumptions
about Medieval history we see today. We highlight women who helped build the reputation of Medieval Oxford,
the sometimes violent but sometimes friendly relationship between townsfolk and scholars, and uncover the
remnants of the old city still embedded in the walls of the modern university, including the historic Jewish quarter.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1700
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1000-1700
Location & directions
44-46 Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1AY
- Directions:
- Meeting Point: Oxford Castle & Prison
- Contact on day:
- Anna Clark
- Telephone number:
- +441865242918
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
● All tours wheelchair accessible, but some uneven pavements and crowding especially on weekends. ● Service animals welcome on all tours. ● Caregivers & accessibility aids welcome to attend tours for free; no need to register. ● Total distance: less than 1 mile with moments for sitting/leaning against walls; toilets available at certain points. ● Normally, no amplifying audio equipment used, but please request in advance. Please inform your guide if any visual or hearing accommodations are needed. Let us know of any accessibility requirements when you book. Read our full accessibility policy.
Additional information
Tour recommended for children aged 12 and above. Disabled toilets available at the public library. Itinerary: 1. Oxford Castle & Prison 2. Castle Mill Stream 3. Old Greyfriars Street 4. Brewer Street 5. Christ Church 6. Oriel College, Oriel Square 7. St. Michael at the North Gat
