Oxford Castle

Lore & Background

According to the Historia Ecclesie Abbendonensis, Oxford Castle was built by the Norman baron Robert D'Oyly the elder from 1071 to 1073. D'Oyly had arrived in England with William I the Conqueror, who granted him extensive lands in Oxfordshire. The castle was positioned on the west side of the town, using a stream off the River Thames for a moat. The initial castle was probably a large motte and bailey, copying the plan of D'Oyly's castle at Wallingford. By the late 12th to early 13th century, the original palisade walls and wooden keep were replaced in stone. The surviving rectangular St George's Tower is now believed to pre-date the remainder of the castle and to have been a watch tower associated with the original Saxon west gate of the city.

Reader's Guide

Oxford Castle's significance lies in its long history as a fortification, administrative center, and prison. It played a crucial role during the Anarchy, when Empress Matilda was besieged there by King Stephen in 1142. Matilda escaped in December, reportedly by being lowered down the walls while dressed in white as camouflage in the snow, though the chronicler William of Malmesbury suggests she escaped from a gate. The castle was attacked again in the Barons' War of 1215–17, prompting further improvements. By the 14th century its military value diminished, and it came to be used primarily for county administration and as a prison. Most of the castle was destroyed in the English Civil War, and by the 18th century the remaining buildings had become Oxford's local prison. A new prison complex was built from 1785 onwards and expanded in 1876, becoming HM Prison Oxford. The prison closed in 1996 and was redeveloped as a hotel and visitor attraction. The medieval remains, including the motte, St George's Tower and crypt, are Grade I listed buildings and a Scheduled Monument.

Did You Know?

• Oxford Castle was built by the Norman baron Robert D'Oyly the elder from 1071 to 1073.
• The surviving St George's Tower is now believed to be a Saxon watch tower pre-dating the castle.
• Empress Matilda escaped from the castle during the Anarchy in December 1142.
• The castle was used as a prison from the 14th century until 1996.