Oxford Castle, Oxford (must see)

Oxford takes great pride in its rich history and dedicates significant resources to maintaining its ancient structures, as evidenced by the preservation efforts at Oxford Castle. This partially ruined Norman castle stands on the western outskirts of the town, just off New Road. Initially, it consisted of a wooden motte and bailey castle, which was later replaced by stone buildings in the 11th century.

During the conflict between England and Normandy from 1135 to 1153, the castle served as a strategic base for Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I, in her quest to claim the English throne from her cousin, King Stephen. King Stephen besieged the castle with siege engines, but Matilda managed to escape, leading to the surrender of the castle's occupants before a full-scale battle could commence.

In the 13th century, further fortifications were added, including the construction of the Round Tower and the restoration of the chapel. King Henry III utilized the castle as a prison. However, during the English Civil War, the castle suffered significant damage and continued to function as a prison after the war's conclusion.

In 1888, the prison underwent expansion and operated as HM Prison Oxford until its closure in 1996. Today, only the motte and Saint George's Tower remain as remnants of the original castle.

The former prison buildings have been repurposed into a luxury hotel, office spaces, a shopping center, and a heritage complex. The castle's courtyard now hosts an open market and frequently features theater performances.

Additionally, Oxford Castle offers guided tours led by guides dressed in period costumes, providing insights into the castle's history. Visitors can explore Saint George's Tower, visit the crypt, and access the motte with its vaulted Well Chamber as part of the tour experience.