Oxford in Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Motte and Bailey
Oxford Castle was built in 1071 by Robert d'Oilly who had accompanied William the Conqueror from Normandy to England in 1066. The Castie was surrounded by a moat from which material came to form both a high Mound or Motte and the ramparts of an eastern defended courtyard or Bailey. The Mound was the Castle's strong point on top of which was a stone tower or Keep whose vaulted well chamber and well still survive. Within the Bailey stand St. George's Tower, the 18th century Prison buildings and the 19th century County Hall, whose predecessor was known as The Sessions House.
This is a scheduled ancient monument and an important historic feature. Please treat it with respect.
For access to the Mound or to take a tour of the Castle, visit the admissions desk located in the Oxford Castle Unlocked gift shop.
( engraving caption )
“The Tower upon ye round hill “ (Christ Church archive) Copy of an early 17th century plan of Oxford Castle showing the Motte (Mound) and Bailey (Courtyard) surrounded by the Castle Ditch and the ten-sided tower on top of the Motte.
Erected by The Oxford Preservation Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 51° 45.117′ N, 1° 15.756′ W. Marker is in Oxford, England, in Oxfordshire. Marker can be reached from the intersection of New Road and Oxford Castle, on the left when traveling west. Located at Oxford Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oxford, England OX1 1ND, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Archaeology, the Castle Ditch (here, next to this marker); Prison Governor’s House (here, next to this marker); The Perimeter Wall (a few steps from this marker); Vaulted Well Chamber (within shouting distance of this marker); Prison Debtors’ Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Old County Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Oxford Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); Prison D Wing (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oxford.
Also see . . .
1. Oxford Castle & Prison. (Submitted on October 5, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Oxford Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on October 5, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.