Oxford Castle and Prison, Medieval fortress and correctional facility in central Oxford, England.
The complex contains a Norman stone tower, a crypt beneath St. George's Tower, and multiple prison cells from different historical periods.
Robert D'Oilly constructed the initial wooden fortification between 1071 and 1073 following William the Conqueror's orders to establish Norman control.
The castle's transformation from a military stronghold to a prison reflects the evolution of England's judicial system through the medieval and modern periods.
Visitors can join guided tours daily from 10:00 to 17:00, which include climbing 101 steps of St. George's Tower for panoramic views.
During the 1142 siege, Empress Matilda escaped from the castle by crossing the frozen Thames while wearing white garments to match the winter landscape.
Location: Oxford
Address: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY, UK
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +441865260663
Website: https://oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk
GPS coordinates: 51.75172,-1.26265
Latest update: March 18, 2025 18:54
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Oxford Castle
15 m
Buildings of Nuffield College, Oxford
122 m
St Ebbe's Church
237 m
OFS Studio
208 m
Tirah Memorial
183 m
Wesley Memorial Church
193 m
Church of St Peter-le-Bailey
166 m
County Hall
57 m
Quaking Bridge
93 m
Oxfordshire County Library
184 m
Swan Bridge
87 m
Pacey's Bridge
187 m
St George's Tower, St Georges Chapel Crypt and D Wing including the Debtors Tower, Oxford Castle
43 m
New Road Baptist Chapel
159 m
The Jolly Farmers Inn Public House
111 m
Faculty of History, University of Oxford
198 m
The Governors House
14 m
Well House, Oxford Castle
59 m
Frewin Hall
200 m
Knowledge and Understanding
172 m
St Peter's College, Master's Lodge, former Oxford Canal Company offices
119 m
St Peters College, Linton House
174 m
Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains
16 m
Probate Registry
129 m
Greyfriars Oxford Health Department
115 m
17 And 19, St Michaels Street
225 m
1, Fisher Row
111 m
Wall, East Of Bastion I
188 mReviews
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