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OXFORD​

Oxford is a city renowned for its rich culture and beauty. From its world-famous university to its picturesque architecture and stunning natural landscapes, there is much to admire about this historic city.

The University was founded in 1096, and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Its famous colleges, such as Christ Church, Magdalen, and Merton, are architectural masterpieces and are open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the colleges and learn about their history and the famous alumni who have studied there, including literary giants J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Oxford is also known for its stunning natural landscapes. The city's "dreaming spires" are a famous sight and are a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Visitors can take a stroll along the River Thames and admire the picturesque views of the city's many bridges and waterways or venture into the picturesque countryside, from the Chiltern Hills to the Cotswolds, which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking.

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Although the city of dreaming spires is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, beneath the surface lies a darker history, filled with tales of murder, execution, and punishment.

One of the most notorious examples of this is Oxford Castle. Originally built in 1071 as a motte and bailey fortress by the Normans, the castle served as a prison for centuries, and was known for its harsh conditions and brutal punishments. The castle's famous "crypt" served as a prison for centuries, and was known for its inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and disease. Executions were also carried out at the castle, with criminals being hanged from the castle's walls.

Oxford's Bodleian Library, founded in the 14th century, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. During the inquisition, it was used as a place to store and study forbidden texts, where heretic books were kept.

The city also has a history of witch-hunting. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Oxford was a hotbed of witch trials, with many women being accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. The most famous of these was a woman named Alice Samuel, who was hanged in Oxford in 1618, after being found guilty of practicing witchcraft.

The city was home to a number of executioners, including James Berry, who was known as the "Oxford Executioner". He is said to have executed over 100 people, many of whom were convicted of crimes such as theft and murder.

The city was hit hard by the Black Death in the 14th century, and by the Great Plague in the 17th century. Many residents of the city died, and their bodies were buried in mass graves outside the city walls.

Thankfully today, Oxford is a safe and peaceful place to visit and inhabit.