Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOxford Castle and earlier settlement remains

Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains

England
List entry 1007730
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Oxford Castle is a Norman castle founded in the late eleventh century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The castle occupies a commanding position overlooking the town of Oxford and was constructed with a motte-and-bailey earthwork, typical of Norman military architecture, alongside later stone fortifications including a crenellated wall and towers. Archaeological evidence indicates that the site may have been occupied earlier, possibly during the Anglo-Saxon period, though the castle itself represents the principal phase of significant fortification and settlement development. The monument remains an important testimony to Norman urban planning and defensive strategy in medieval England, though substantial portions have been lost to subsequent development and urban expansion.

Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007730. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains?

Oxford Castle is a Norman castle founded in the late eleventh century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1007730.

Who is responsible for protecting Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains?

Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1007730.

What other scheduled monuments are near Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Old Abingdon Road Culverts (2.5 km), Romano-British pottery site, prehistoric ring-ditches and enclosures, including medieval ridge and furrow, Lower Farm, Nuneham Courtenay (6.4 km), Settlement site E of Goose Acre Farm (7.9 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Oxford Castle and earlier settlement remains