History of Oxford

Throughout its centuries-old existence, Oxfords fortunes have fluctuated with the times, but its legacy remains that of a world-class academic centre. With its two universities scattered around the area, Oxford has evolved into much more than your average English market town. It also boasts a thriving publishing and industrial economy. But it didnt necessarily have to turn out this way.

An ideal location

As early as 912, Oxford made its way into English records when King Edward took possession of London, Oxford and everything in between. Its proximity to London has always played a role in its importance to English industry, culture and society; and by the Norman Conquest in 1066, Oxford was the sixth largest town in the country. An annual fair was established, and when Henry I built Beaumont Palace in the 12th century things really began to take off. Its fertile soil, temperate climate and good communications with London attracted many churches to the area. At that time, religion and education went hand-in-hand, and soon Oxford was known as a centre for learning and culture.

The rise of academia

At the time, there were no universities in England. Englishmen went to Europe, usually Paris, for their higher education, but this trend came to a crashing halt in 1167 when Paris expelled all of its English students. Many saw Oxford as the natural place to continue their studies, and the towns university scene burst into life. This rapid influx of students created rifts between the local townspeople and the academics, resulting in many riots over the ensuing years. One such riot in 1209 ended up with the creation of Cambridge University by students who had fled Oxford. In 1355, a riot left 63 students and many townspeople dead. King Edward III decided enough was enough and granted Oxford University sweeping powers over the town, which effectively allowed the school to control everything for the next 500 years.

Fortune in the Civil War

Even though Oxford supported the royalists during the English Civil War of 1641, Cromwell spared the town when he chose to make himself chancellor of the university rather than destroy it. After his reign came to an end in 1669, the town experienced its golden age of architecture. Tom Tower, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Clarendon Building, Radcliffe Camera and the amazing quad of All Souls College were built during this time. However, after this vigorous 60-year period, Oxford fell into decline and stagnation. Studying and teaching all but stopped, and university life became little more than an excuse for debauched living.

Oxfords transformation

By the 20th century Oxford was transformed into an industrial powerhouse thanks to the introduction of car manufacturing. This rise in industry helped ease the ancient tensions between town and gown. Today, Oxford is a city of wonderful contrasts. This city of dreaming spires is a thoroughly modern and prosperous town but its easy to find escape. Just turn off of one of the busy commercial streets and youll find yourself in a quiet calm oasis, evocative of centuries past.