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 motte-and-bailey fortress established in the late eleventh century following the conquest of England in 1066. The castle's defensive earthwork, comprising a substantial mound with surrounding ditch, remains a prominent feature within Oxford's medieval townscape. The site has yielded evidence of earlier Anglo-Saxon occupation, indicating settlement continuity at this strategically important location before the Norman fortification was constructed. The castle's stone keep, built during the twelfth century, survives as a cylindrical structure representing a significant phase of architectural development in English castle design.

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 motte-and-bailey fortress established in the late eleventh century following the conquest of England in 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).

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