The Oxford Rail Disaster of 1853
20 January 2022
Oxford Railway Station, Rewley Road
On the 8th January 1853, a series of misunderstandings led to one of the most deadly rail disasters in Oxford's history.
Charlbury Anti-Vaccination Riots of 1897
6 January 2022
Church Street, Charlbury
In 1897, riots in Charlbury made national headlines as the small town found itself at the centre of the debate around compulsory smallpox vaccinations.
Beating the Bounds Tragedy at Charlbury
29 December 2021
River Evenlode, Charlbury
A quaint custom ended in disaster in 1924 when a capsized boat on the River Evenlode resulted in the drowning of three children.
John Clavell: Scholar, Poet, Highwayman
17 December 2021
Brasenose College, Radcliffe Square
John Clavell became famous in the 1620s for the repentant poetry he wrote while in prison awaiting trial for highway robbery.
The Unsolved Murder of Kate Dungey
1 December 2021
Longridge Farm, Henley-on-Thames
The violent murder of Kate Dungey shocked the town of Henley in 1893, and over a century later the identity of her murderer remains a mystery!
Man assaults woman, claims to be bulldog
22 November 2021
North Bar Street, Banbury
In 1873 Richard Eden assaulted Elizabeth Gunn in North Bar Street, Banbury. At his trial, he made some startling claims.
The Wheatley village lock-up
17 November 2021
Church Road, Wheatley
This unusual hexagonal building was built in 1834 to house criminals and drunks until they could be taken to the Oxford magistrate.
Gun Tragedy at Upper Heyford Church
9 November 2021
St. Mary's Church, Church Walk, Upper Heyford
In 1885, Frederick Charles Walton was found shot in the head near the church shortly after Sunday service. Murder or accident?