Blog

• History

House of the Dragon and Oxford Castle & Prison – what is the connection?

6th Sept 2022

It’s well known that George RR Martin bases his iconic characters from Game of Thrones on historical inspirations. We think his new series, House of the Dragon, is no different.

• History

The Ghosts of Oxford: King Charles I

11th Aug 2022

Oxford’s important role in the English Civil Wars explains the many sightings of Royalist ghosts over the years. However, one ghost had a particularly significant role in the conflict: King Charles I. Why does the spirit of the ill-fated King walk the Oxford’s streets?

• History

Medieval Knights in Europe

7th Jul 2022

Knights – and their female equivalents, Dames – are still around today. Modern knights and dames have been honoured by the Queen for a great achievement. However, they are very different from knights in medieval England.

The Ghosts of Oxford: Mary Blandy

13th Jun 2022

Mary Blandy is one of Oxford’s most famous murderers and her spirit may still wander the city. Oxford’s middle class was shocked by the scandal of Blandy being sentenced to death for the murder of her father, Francis, in 1752.

• History

Court Jesters in Medieval England

28th Apr 2022

Court jesters in medieval England had the important role of entertaining the court and keeping the royals happy. While they are remembered in modern times as jokers who wore funny hats, their role was not always filled with laughs.