Dead Man's Walk, Oxford, Historical pathway in central Oxford, England.
Dead Man's Walk is a historic pathway in central Oxford that runs along the southern edge of Merton College. The route connects the eastern section near the Botanical Garden to the western end at Corpus Christi College, lined with mature trees throughout.
The pathway traces its origins to around 1190 when Oxford's Jewish community established a burial ground and used this route as a funeral procession path from their synagogue. This medieval origin shapes the site's character as a place connected to the city's longstanding diverse history.
The pathway runs alongside Merton College and serves as a daily shortcut for students moving between different academic buildings. Its tree-lined character makes it a quiet place where members of the university community pause and walk between their studies.
The pathway is easy to walk at any time of year and offers direct passage through Oxford's academic core. The tree cover provides shelter during damp weather or in winter, making it a comfortable route regardless of season.
A plaque on an adjacent field marks where James Sadler conducted Britain's first hot air balloon ascent in 1784. This lesser-known chapter in aviation history gives the location a surprising connection to early scientific experimentation.
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