Martyrs' Memorial

The Martyrs' Memorial is a Gothic stone monument standing at the intersection of St Giles and Magdalen Street, decorated with intricately carved reliefs. The structure features pale stone with fine architectural details visible from the surrounding pedestrian area.

The monument was constructed in the middle of the 19th century to replace an older building that previously occupied the corner site. It was designed by a prominent architect of that era and created to commemorate religious events from earlier centuries.

The memorial stands as a reminder of three religious leaders who died for their faith during England's religious upheaval. It serves as a place where people reflect on a turning point in the country's religious past.

The best views of the monument are from the surrounding pedestrian area, where you can see the details from different angles. Since it stands in a public space, it is always accessible and requires no entry fee.

Many visitors overlook the fact that historic public facilities lie beneath the monument, integrated into the street level. This hidden infrastructure is barely visible to passersby and contributes to the ongoing confusion people have about what lies below.

Location: Oxford

GPS coordinates: 51.75509,-1.25902

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40