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True Crime in Oxfordshire: Books and Podcasts examining the County’s Dark History

15th Jan, 2026
A curated selection of books and podcasts covering real cases of scandal, murder, and punishment from Oxford and its surrounding villages.

Oxfordshire is often associated with quiet villages, historic streets and academic traditions. But behind the city sits a long and sometimes cruel history of crime. From notorious murders and public executions to scandals that once gripped the local press, Oxford has also been the setting for many true crime stories that still resonate today.

For those interested in Oxfordshire’s darker past, there are several books and podcasts that share real cases from Oxford and the surrounding area. We have curated a small selection we think is worth getting stuck into.

 

Books on Oxfordshire Crime History

The book cover of "Oxford Crime, Death & Debauchery" by Giles Brindley

Oxford: Crime, Death and Debauchery by Giles Brindley

This book holds more than one hundred crime stories from Oxford between 1750 and 1920. Using contemporary court records and newspaper reports, Giles Brindley explores murders, hangings, thefts and scandals that reveal a very different side of the city.

One of the most well-known crimes included is the St Scholasticas Day massacre. Alongside it are many other lesser-known stories that help paint a picture of crime and punishment in Oxford’s past.

Where to find a copy

The book cover of "Oxfordshire Murders" by Nicola Sly

Oxfordshire Murders by Nicola Sly

Nicola Sly’s book focuses on twenty-five murder cases across Oxfordshire, from 1751 to 1963. Expect a mix of locally-known cases and others that made national headlines at the time, such as the abrupt attack on Anne Kempson and the trial of Mary Blandy. Nicola gives an insight into the people involved and the circumstances that led to some of Oxfordshire’s most disturbing crimes.

Where to find a copy

 

Oxfordshire Murders by Len Woodley

Written by a former Criminal Investigation Department officer, this book recounts the stories of twelve real murder cases from Oxfordshire that occurred over the past two hundred years. With access to police records and insight from investigating officers, the book provides a detailed and thoughtful account of each case.

Where to find a copy

The book cover of "A Date with the Hangman" by Gary Dobbs

A Date with the Hangman by Gary Dobbs

Although this book does not focus solely on Oxfordshire, it explores capital punishment across the UK, the bloody code that saw a rise in hangings, as well as crimes that took place in Oxford and the surrounding area.

Gary Dobbs examines what happened to those convicted and how justice was carried out, giving context of what crime and punishment were like in earlier centuries.

Where to find a copy

Honourable Blog Mention

Dark Oxfordshire

For those interested in true crime and partial to reading blogs, Dark Oxfordshire is well worth exploring. The site covers crime, folklore and strange history from across the county, including some of the people held at Oxford Castle & Prison.

Visit: darkoxfordshire.co.uk

Podcasts Covering Crime in Oxfordshire

The podcast cover of "Oxfordshire Crime Podcast" by the Oxford Mail.

The Oxfordshire Crime Podcast

Though there is no dedicated historic podcast entirely focused on Oxfordshire’s true crime, the Oxford Mail’s Oxfordshire Crime Podcast covers recent real cases heard in the local courts. Episodes include murder trials, inquests and sentencing, offering insight into crime across the county.

Where to listen

 

Oxfordshire-Based Podcast Episodes

There are also individual podcast episodes linked to Oxfordshire that may be of interest, including:

The podcast cover art of "British Murders Unsolved, Episode 5"

British Murders Unsolved: Dr Michael Meenaghan

This episode covers the cold case of Scotsman and scientist, Dr Michael Meenaghan, who was killed in his Oxfordshire home back in 1944, whilst making a drink in the Kitchen.

His unexplained death stumped police, with no clear suspects or motive, and remains unsolved today.

Where to listen

Crime Next Door: The Golden Toilet Heist

The podcast cover of the BBC's "Crime Next Door: The Golden Toilet Heist"

This BBC documentary covers one of Oxford’s most bizarre crimes, the theft of the 28-carat golden toilet at Blenheim Palace. With behind-the-scene asccess, they go into what happened on the fateful night and the public fallout.

Where to listen

 

Do you know of a book we should include?

This list is only a starting point. Oxfordshire’s crime history is extensive, and many other books will not have been included here.

If you have any book or podcast recommendations covering True Crime in Oxfordshire that should be added, we would love to hear from you at info@oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk.
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Oxford Castle & Prison
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