February 6, 2007
Oxford Castle Unlocked is looking after our lifelong learning with thought provoking monthly events held at the newly opened bright and airy Key Learning Centre. Tickets for one of the 90 minute sessions cost £5 and can be booked by telephoning 08702 411414 or popping into Unlocked. Facilitated brilliantly by Education Officer Helen de May, a growing number of Oxford Castle enthusiasts are now able to peel away the layers of history that lie beneath our feet. At the inaugural talk Debbie Dance, Director of Oxford Preservation Trust, explains how an idea described in 1944 progressed into the Visitor Attraction we see today. In the second lecture in the series, visitors are offered the chance to explore the location with an archaeologist, pointing out the newly excavated Saxon foundation wall. The wall once concealed a stone coffin containing a skeleton with the skull resting at the bones of his feet (as reported by Jackson's Oxford Journal in 1789)! Links between a celebrated local photographer, Henry Taunt, and the Castle have been explored in the subsequent talk given by Dr Malcolm Graham, Head of Oxfordshire Studies.
In the first event of the New Year Carl Boardman, County Archivist, presents the oral histories taken from a colourful collection of prisoners and gaolers to determine just how grim 'Life on the Inside' truly was. It transpires the castle was at one time used to lock up clerics or early students in Henry III's reign, 1216. The engaging 'Q&A' from each session often flows seamlessly into the subject matter for the next month's talk. February's forthcoming event is now booking! Trevor Rowley, Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College, will on Wednesday 21st at 10am present 'Oxford Before the University'. Oxford's early history from Roman times to the emergence of the University will no doubt provide many interesting insights as to how the views now enjoyed from the top of Saxon Tower may have changed through time.
The events serve to connect the intrigued patron with the location. Local history author Mark Davies will take a group out along the waterside to show first hand the influence of prison governor Daniel Harris on a forthcoming 'Castle and River Walk' (12th May, 10am). Typically the lecturers are experts in their field. Peter Forsaith of The Wesley Centre will speak about 'The Wesleys in Oxford' (22nd March, 2.30pm) and Simon Chaplin, Senior Curator of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons addresses 'The dissection of criminals in the 18th Century' (17th April, 6pm). Unlike the mysterious yet now extinct gaol fever that was epidemic in 16th Century prisons, 'Unlocked' events fire an enthusiasm for local history that is catching. Grab your spiral bound notebook and spread the word!
In the first event of the New Year Carl Boardman, County Archivist, presents the oral histories taken from a colourful collection of prisoners and gaolers to determine just how grim 'Life on the Inside' truly was. It transpires the castle was at one time used to lock up clerics or early students in Henry III's reign, 1216. The engaging 'Q&A' from each session often flows seamlessly into the subject matter for the next month's talk. February's forthcoming event is now booking! Trevor Rowley, Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College, will on Wednesday 21st at 10am present 'Oxford Before the University'. Oxford's early history from Roman times to the emergence of the University will no doubt provide many interesting insights as to how the views now enjoyed from the top of Saxon Tower may have changed through time.
The events serve to connect the intrigued patron with the location. Local history author Mark Davies will take a group out along the waterside to show first hand the influence of prison governor Daniel Harris on a forthcoming 'Castle and River Walk' (12th May, 10am). Typically the lecturers are experts in their field. Peter Forsaith of The Wesley Centre will speak about 'The Wesleys in Oxford' (22nd March, 2.30pm) and Simon Chaplin, Senior Curator of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons addresses 'The dissection of criminals in the 18th Century' (17th April, 6pm). Unlike the mysterious yet now extinct gaol fever that was epidemic in 16th Century prisons, 'Unlocked' events fire an enthusiasm for local history that is catching. Grab your spiral bound notebook and spread the word!