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Explore - Murder & Mayhem

An old postcard of Wantage Market Place

The Decapitation of Ann Pullen

27 October 2021

The White Hart Inn, Grove Street, Wantage

During the Wantage Fair of 1833, the body of the landlady of the White Hart Inn was found, her head severed by a single blow.

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The Swan Inn, Rose Island, River Thames

Drowned Man Causes Oxfordshire/Berkshire Dispute

18 October 2021

River Thames near Kennington

When Charles Andrews drowned in the Thames near Kennington it sparked an inter-county argument over who was responsible for his body.

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The Randolph Hotel and Lord Randolph Churchill

A Lordly Assault at the Randolph Hotel

11 October 2021

Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street, Oxford

In March 1870, Lord Randolph Churchill was arrested for an alleged drunken assault on a police constable outside the Randolph Hotel.

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Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

Pantry Boy Murdered at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford

30 September 2021

Wycliffe Hall, Banbury Road, Oxford

In 1938 the University of Oxford was rocked by the murder of a sixteen-year-old pantry boy by a theological student at Wycliffe Hall.

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Hinksey pools diving board 1936

Deaths at the opening of Oxford's first public bath

24 September 2021

Corner of Castle Street and New Road, Oxford

Joy turned to horror in June 1852 when two were killed in an explosion at the opening of the Oxford City Bath and Washhouse.

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The Home of Compassion, Catherine's Street, Oxford

Infant deaths at the 'Home of Compassion'

23 September 2021

Catherine Street, Oxford

The 'Home of Compassion' was a Cowley-based foundling hospital, but with a shocking mortality rate.

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Wellington Bomber

Unexplained Air Crash at Bodicote

26 August 2021

Bodicote, Banbury

In December 1942 a Wellington Bomber crashed near Bodicote, resulting in the death of six young airmen. What caused the crash has never been explained.

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Whitwell Church Lads Brigade mummers, 1914

A Theatrical Tragedy at the White Hart Inn, Witney

25 August 2021

Bridge Street, Witney

In 1653 a performance at the White Hart Inn in Witney was the scene of a tragedy that cost the lives of 5 people and injured 60 others.

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