Littlemore Lunatic Asylum
20 August 2021
Sandford Road, Littlemore
In 1884 a misunderstanding between staff at Littlemore Asylum saw a confused visitor being stripped, bathed and confined to bed as a patient.
The Hanging of a Royal Pretender and his Cat
14 August 2021
Beaumont Street, Oxford
In 1318 John Deydras made an extraordinary claim: he had been swapped with Edward II as a baby and was the true heir to the English throne!
Oxford's Sheela Na Gig
6 August 2021
St Michael at the North Gate Church, Cornmarket Street, Oxford
This explicit stone carving is an unusual addition to one of Oxford's oldest churches.
Isaac Grubb and the 1867 Bread Riots
3 August 2021
Somerville House, 130 Banbury Road, Oxford
Baker Isaac Grubb incurred the town's anger when it was revealed he was selling bread to the university on the cheap.
Cabbage Theft Ends in Tragedy at Headingon Church
2 August 2021
St. Andrew's Church, St, Headington
A misunderstanding ended in tragedy in 1872, when the Parish Clerk of Headington was accused of stealing cabbages from a neighbour.
A Suicide Buried Near Donnington Bridge
26 July 2021
Donnington Bridge Road
In 1803 the body of a perfidious harness maker was buried at the junction of Donnington Bridge Road and the Iffley Road.
Duck Prank Leads to Murder at Wolvercote
24 May 2021
Wolvercote, Oxford
When accused of stealing a duck Thomas Beesley denied it, but 'He was proved a liar by the loud quacking coming from his coat pocket'!
The Black Diver of Magdalen Bridge
29 April 2021
Magdalen Bridge, High Street, Oxford
Magdalen Bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a chimney sweep who was shot while celebrating the 1754 Oxfordshire election results.
The St Scholastica Day Riot
26 April 2021
Carfax, Oxford
In 1355 a drunken tavern brawl sparked a three-day clash between students and townsfolk that resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 people.
Puritan Ghosts on Magpie Lane
20 April 2021
Quad Restaurant and Bar, Magpie Lane, Oxford
The building on the corner of Magpie Lane is haunted by the ghost of Prudence Burcote, who fell in love with the wrong man and died of a broken heart.