Event Type: Local / Community

Takes Place: 7th May 2025

Time: 2 - 3.30 pm

Venue: Museum of Oxford

Description: Linked through time by geography, economics and people, Oxford Castle and Oxford Canal hold almost a thousand years of history between them. This unique 90-minute guided walking tour of Oxford will take you on a scenic tour through Oxford’s past by way of the Saxon Castle and 18th-century canal. Led by local historian, author and former canal boat resident Mark Davies, this walking tour will reveal stories from Oxford’s past linked to the castle and canal. You’ll learn of a Norman Empress’s escape from the Castle, other notable escapes and dramatic executions, the extraordinary feats of Daniel ‘damnable’ Harris, and the past and present of Oxford’s historic canal boat community. As part of the tour, you will see: Swan Island and Oxford’s brewing history, a view of Oxford Castle and tales of convicts, Isis Lock and the meeting point of the Thames and Canal, an extraordinary example of Victorian railway engineering – plus more historic Oxford locations. The walk will begin at the Museum and finish near the canal’s 1790 terminus (Worcester Street). Join a Canal, Castle and Convicts walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and discover another side of Oxford’s history. Please note that this tour was previously run under the name ‘Canal, Castle and Chapel walk'. Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.

How to book: Visit the Museum of Oxford Shop or go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/museum-of-oxford-walks-canal-castle-and-convicts-tickets-1264157843139

Price: £15 per person (booking fee applies to online bookings)

Tel: 01865 252334

Email: museum@oxford.gov.uk

Website: https://museumofoxford.org/

Organiser: Museum of Oxford

Lecturer: Mark Davies