Oxford history

The early history is vague and academics have suggested the city can be traced back to 1400BC when it was known as Mempricius City. Later the name “Oxenafordia” meaning a spot where oxen crossed was used. The Romans largely ignored Oxford.

The Colleges started in the 13 th Century and developed to become a seat of learning. 1354 marked the first of a series of strained relationships between the University and the town with a riot on St Scholastic's day when students complained about the wine being served to them and Swyndelestock Tavern. The result was that the city had to pay for the repairs to the Colleges and the Mayor had to swear allegiance to the Chancellor which continued until the Victorian era. The University had considerable power over the town until 1974 when it lost its right to place its own representative on the Oxford City Council.

For a period from 1642 – 1646, Oxford was the capital of England under Charles 1 when he was battling Cromwell who in 1650 became Chancellor. One of his actions was to destroy the Oxford defences.

Significant building took place in the 18th Century with the rebuilding of Queen's College, Magdalen Bridge and Folly Bridge . The Radcliffe Camera, Observatory and Clarendon Building were constructed.


The University continued to grow and gain recognition and in 19 th Century colleges such as Christchurch produced a regular flow of great statesmen such as Peel and Gladstone. Alongside the University the commercial sector grew including the motor industry led by in the early years by William Morris who in 1913 launched the Morris Oxford car.

Today Oxford has grown to be a modern city with a lot more than just a University.