Oxford Castle, Medieval castle in Oxford, England
Oxford Castle is an 11th-century fortification with St George's Tower as its main structure, built from local coral rag and gravel. The grounds contain several buildings that show different phases of use, from the original military layout to later prison structures.
A Norman baron named Robert D'Oyly founded the castle in 1071, shortly after William the Conqueror's invasion of England. Over the centuries, it evolved from a military outpost into a prison, remaining active in that role until it was converted into a public site.
The site now welcomes visitors who explore its rooms and learn how the place shifted from military use to imprisonment and finally to public heritage. Local communities and travelers walk through the same spaces where these different chapters unfolded.
The site is easy to reach on foot, with clear street access for visitors approaching from ground level. Multiple entry points and well-marked paths make it straightforward to explore the different areas.
The castle contains an underground chamber recognized as one of England's oldest known crypts, revealing to visitors how deep historical structures lie beneath the modern city. This hidden area shows early building methods and was used across many generations.
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