The St. Scholastica’s Day Riot was a violent and deadly clash that broke out in Oxford on February 10, 1355, between students of the University of Oxford and the local townspeople, a conflict often referred to as a “town and gown” dispute. This incident is one of the most infamous examples of the deep-seated tensions that existed between the university community and the local residents.
The roots of the conflict lay in the deep-seated animosity between the students (the “gown“) and the townspeople (the “town“). Oxford was, and still is, a city dominated by its university, which had its own set of privileges and powers. These privileges often caused friction with the townspeople, who resented the students’ perceived arrogance and the university’s authority over local matters.
The Riot
The riot began on St. Scholastica’s Day, February 10, 1355, when two university students got into an altercation with a local tavern owner. The students reportedly complained about the quality of the wine they were served, leading to a heated argument. This dispute quickly escalated, with the students throwing the wine at the tavern owner and physically assaulting him.
The incident sparked a much larger confrontation. Word of the altercation spread quickly, and a mob of townspeople gathered to confront the students. The situation soon spiralled out of control, with violent clashes breaking out between the students and the townspeople. The violence continued over the next two days, with both sides suffering casualties. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that around 63 students and about 30 townspeople were killed during the riot.
The Aftermath of the St. Scholastica's Day Riot
In the aftermath of the riot, the university was able to use its influence to secure favourable outcomes. King Edward III đź”—, who had founded several of the university’s colleges, supported the university in the conflict. As a result, harsh penalties were imposed on the town of Oxford.
The mayor and townspeople were held responsible for the deaths of the students, and the town was required to pay a hefty fine to the university. Additionally, every year on St. Scholastica’s Day, the mayor and town officials were forced to march to the university and swear an oath of submission, acknowledging the university’s authority. This humiliating ritual continued for several centuries until it was finally abolished in the 19th century.
Its Significance Today
The St. Scholastica’s Day Riot is a stark example of the “town and gown” tensions that characterized medieval Oxford and other university towns in Europe. It highlights the deep divisions between the academic community and the local population, driven by differences in power, privilege, and social status. The riot also underscores the influence of the university in the medieval period, as it was able to leverage royal support to enforce its authority over the town, a dynamic that has shaped the history of Oxford ever since.
This event has been referenced in various works of literature (for example, in Philip Pullman‘s novels) and continues to be a point of interest in the study of Oxford’s history.
