Oxford Castle and Prison
OxfordA Norman castle site and Victorian prison where visitors climb a Saxon tower, descend into a crypt and step inside the cells.
Get directionsCastleTime here: 1–1.5 h
On the map
New Road, Oxford, OX1 1LU
Quick facts
Robert D'Oyly built the castle between 1071 and 1073, and St George's Tower is now thought to be a Saxon watch tower from about 1020.
The prison closed in 1996, and the site now offers costumed guided tours, the crypt and the cells.
Empress Matilda escaped the castle during Stephen's siege in December 1142, by tradition across the frozen river dressed in white.
Address
New Road, Oxford, OX1 1LU
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