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Castle with a spooky past
Castle with a spooky past
Oxford Castle is one of the city’s most exciting historic places. Built by the Normans in 1071, the castle has seen over 1,000 years of war, politics, royal visitors, and prisoners. It started as a military fortress, became part of a royal home, and later turned into a prison that remained in use until 1996!
During your visit, you’ll walk up the ancient Castle Mound where kings once looked out over the countryside. You’ll climb the steps of St George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, for amazing views of the city. You’ll also go inside the dark and spooky Crypt and explore the old prison cells where people were once locked up for everything from stealing bread to owing money.
This trip includes fun stories, surprising facts, and real-life tales from the past. You’ll hear about secret escapes, hidden tunnels, and people who changed history. It’s not just a tour—it’s an adventure into the real stories of Oxford’s past.
So get ready to explore the castle walls, go underground, and discover what life was really like inside Oxford Castle!
Oxford Castle played an important role in many parts of English history. During the 12th-century civil war known as “The Anarchy,” Empress Matilda famously escaped from the castle dressed in white, sneaking past enemy soldiers in the snow. In the 1600s, the castle was damaged during the English Civil War when royalist forces used it as a base. Later, it became a Victorian prison with strict rules, harsh punishments, and very small cells. Some prisoners were forced to work or live in silence..
The Timetable for the Trip
The Timetable for the Trip
0:00 Meet at Ruskin College; briefing by Activity Leaders
0:05 Travel by public transport to Oxford Castle; arrival at ~0:35
0:35 Short break / restroom before entry
0:40 – 0:45 Group assembles; Activity Leader intro speech
0:45 – 0:55 Castle‑run Guided Tour begins (part of daily tour)
0:55 – 1:05 Castle Mound
1:05 – 1:15 George’s Tower
1:15 – 1:25 Debtors’ Tower & Prison D‑Wing
1:25 – 1:35 Crypt / Underground Cell
1:35 – 1:45 Castle Courtyard / Exit
1:45 – 1:50 Wrap‑up by Leaders; Q&A; group photo point
1:50 – 2:20 Return trip; arrival at Ruskin around 2:20
1. Castle Mound
1. Castle Mound
This grassy hill is where the original Norman castle began in 1071. It was once topped by a wooden tower where soldiers kept watch. The mound is called a "motte" and was built by digging a deep ditch and piling the earth into a tall hill.
From the top, you can see across Oxford. In the past, it was useful to spot enemies or fires. During a civil war called "The Anarchy," Empress Matilda escaped from the castle by sneaking down this hill in the snow—wearing white to hide!
Look out for: Great views of the city and a spiral staircase inside the mound.
2. St George’s Tower
2. St George’s Tower
St George’s Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford—maybe even older than the castle itself! It was part of a church before becoming a lookout tower. You can climb its 101 steps to get amazing views.
People believe this tower may have once been used to protect the west gate of the city. It has thick stone walls and narrow windows for archers.
Fun fact: Some people believe the tower was once used as a prison, but others say it was just a strong lookout.
3. Debtors’ Tower & Prison D-Wing
3. Debtors’ Tower & Prison D-Wing
Oxford Castle was used as a prison for over 800 years. The Debtors’ Tower is where people were held if they owed money, even small amounts. Some prisoners stayed for years because they couldn’t pay their debts.
In D-Wing, you’ll see real prison cells with heavy doors and narrow beds. There are stories of famous prisoners, daring escapes, and daily life in the jail.
Fun fact: One prisoner paid his fine in jam! Another taught reading classes in his cell.
4. The Crypt (Underground Chapel)
4. The Crypt (Underground Chapel)
This dark, stone room is one of the oldest parts of the castle and is nearly 1,000 years old. It was once part of St George’s Chapel, where people prayed and monks worked by candlelight.
The crypt has a small round window and thick stone columns. It’s cool and quiet—and some people say it’s haunted!
Imagine: You’re hiding here from an enemy—or holding a secret meeting by candlelight.
5. Castle Courtyard & Exhibition Area
5. Castle Courtyard & Exhibition Area
This area was once full of people: prisoners, guards, horses, and carts. It was the center of castle life and later became the prison yard. Today, it’s a peaceful open space with modern exhibitions nearby.
You’ll finish your visit here and have time to take photos, ask questions, and explore any exhibitions or displays.
Top tip: Ask your guide about any re-enactments or plays taking place—sometimes the courtyard becomes a stage for live shows!
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