Oxford's History of Execution and Murder: A Self-Guided Tour

1 h 15 min – 1 h 45 min Free cancellation Private tour

Oxford's History of Execution and Murder: A Self-Guided Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this self-guided walking tour, you'll uncover centuries of executions, riots, and murders that shaped this seemingly genteel city. You'll also hear how religious persecution, medieval street violence, and courtroom curses left their mark on streets still walked today.

The tour starts close to where three Protestant bishops – Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer – were burned at the stake on the orders of Queen Mary I. You'll pass the History of Science Museum, now on the site of the world's first public museum, where fresh corpses from the town gallows were once delivered for dissection.

Winding through Brasenose Lane and along Cornmarket Street, you'll hear about a fatal midnight brawl between tailors and drapers, the city's extraordinary medieval murder rate, and the 1355 St Scholastica's Day Riot, which lasted three days and left dozens dead. The tour ends at Oxford Castle, where a condemned servant named Anne Greene was hanged in 1650 – and somehow survived.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 15 min – 1 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Martyrs' Memorial

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Martyrs' Memorial, a striking monument commemorating the Ugandan Martyrs, whose faith and sacrifice hold great significance in the country’s history. Any costs related to visiting the memorial grounds are not covered in this tour.
Radcliffe Camera

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its elegant circular design and its role as a reading room for the university’s library. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.
St. Michael At The North Gate

Passing by

You’ll pass by St Michael at the North Gate, one of Oxford’s oldest buildings, famous for its Saxon tower and centuries of history. Please note that entry to the church and tower is not included in this tour.
Carfax Tower

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Carfax Tower, the surviving tower of the former St Martin’s Church, offering panoramic views over the heart of Oxford. Please note that entry to the tower is not included in this tour.
Oxford Castle Prison

Passing by

You’ll pass by the Oxford Castle & Prison, a historic Norman castle and former prison where nearly 1,000 years of Oxford’s history come to life. Please note that entry to the castle and prison is not included in this tour.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Martyrs Memorial in Magdalen Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Oxford Castle Prison.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]