Oxford’s origins as a settlement can be traced back to around the 8th century, when it began as a small Saxon town. Saxon Oxford, known as “Oxenaforda” in Old English, therefore has a rich history that dates back to the early medieval period, long before the establishment of the University of Oxford.
The strategic location of Oxford, situated at a crossing of the Thames and near the Cherwell River, made it an important trading point. By the 9th century, Oxford had developed into a fortified town, or “burgh,” under the rule of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Wessex.
During this time, Oxford became part of the network of fortified towns established by Alfred the Great and his successors to defend against Viking invasions. The establishment of these burghs was part of a broader defensive strategy that allowed the Anglo-Saxons to consolidate power and protect their territories from Viking raids. Oxford’s position along key trade routes further contributed to its growth and significance.
10th Century: Oxford as a Religious Centre
By the 10th century, Oxford had developed religious importance, with several churches being established, including St. Michael at the Northgate, which still stands today as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Oxford. The presence of these early churches indicates that Oxford was becoming a centre of religious as well as economic activity.
The town was closely associated with the religious and political machinations of the time. For example, in the early 11th century, King Æthelred the Unready held a council in Oxford, illustrating the town’s growing political significance.
The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, for instance, is a site of great historical and religious significance in Oxford, with roots that extend back to the Saxon era. The church was originally established in the 10th century, likely on the site of an earlier Saxon place of worship. It became one of the first churches in Oxford and was central to the town’s religious life during the Saxon period. Over the centuries, the church evolved and expanded, becoming the focal point for the University of Oxford’s early administrative and academic activities. The church’s tower, built in the 13th century, also offers one of the best views of Oxford and provides a direct connection to its medieval and Saxon past.
The Viking Invasions and the Devastation of Oxford
Oxford, like many other Saxon towns, was deeply affected by the wave of Viking invasions that swept across England in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These invasions were part of a larger campaign by Norse seafarers who sought to expand their territories and plunder the wealth of Anglo-Saxon England. By the early 11th century, the Vikings had established themselves as a formidable force, controlling significant portions of the country.
In 1009, Oxford found itself directly in the path of Viking aggression. The town was attacked by a formidable Viking fleet under the command of Thorkell the Tall, one of the most feared Viking leaders of the time. Thorkell’s fleet had been ravaging the English coast, and Oxford, a prosperous and strategically important town, became one of their targets.
The Viking assault on Oxford was devastating. The town’s defences, which consisted of earthen walls and wooden palisades, were no match for the seasoned Viking warriors. The invaders stormed the town, setting fire to buildings, looting valuables, and killing many of its inhabitants. This attack was part of a broader campaign that saw similar destruction across the region as the Vikings sought to assert their dominance and extract tribute from the Saxon kingdoms.
The destruction wrought by the Vikings in 1009 had lasting consequences for Oxford. The town was left in ruins, with many of its buildings burned to the ground. The population was decimated, and those who survived faced the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods. The attack also underscored the vulnerability of Saxon towns to Viking raids, leading to increased efforts to fortify settlements and improve defences in the years that followed.
Despite this setback, Oxford eventually recovered and continued to grow in importance, particularly as a centre of trade and learning. The Viking attack of 1009 remains a significant event in the town’s early history, marking a period of great turmoil and resilience in the face of external threats.
Oxford During the Norman Conquest
During the Norman Conquest, Oxford, like much of England, underwent significant changes that would shape its future. Initially, Oxford, along with other parts of southern England, offered resistance to Norman control. However, the town eventually surrendered to William’s forces, recognizing the futility of opposing the Norman army.
One of the most notable impacts of the Norman Conquest on Oxford was the construction of Oxford Castle. In 1071, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the castle to secure Norman control over the region and to serve as a stronghold against potential uprisings. The castle was built by Robert D’Oyly, a Norman baron who was a close associate of William. Oxford Castle was strategically located near the western edge of the town, by the River Thames, and it played a crucial role in maintaining Norman authority in the area.
The castle included a motte-and-bailey design, typical of Norman military architecture, with a large earth mound (motte) topped by a wooden keep and a fortified courtyard (bailey) surrounded by a palisade and ditch. Over time, the wooden structures were replaced with stone, and the castle expanded to include a tower, chapel, and other facilities. While much of the original castle has not survived, the remains, including the motte and St. George’s Tower, are still visible today.
The Legacy of Saxon Oxford (and How to See It Today)
The legacy of Saxon Oxford is still evident today in some of the oldest buildings in the city, as well as in the layout of its streets. The early Christian foundations, the street patterns, and even some place names in modern Oxford hark back to its Saxon past, offering a glimpse into the early history of one of England’s most famous cities.
Here are a few places in Oxford that are linked to its Saxon history.
St. Michael at the Northgate
St. Michael at the Northgate is one of the most historically significant churches in Oxford and a key link to the city’s Saxon past. Originally constructed in the late 10th or early 11th century, the church was built as part of the city’s defensive network, with its tower forming a crucial component of Oxford’s northern gate.
This defensive role is evident in the tower’s robust construction, which has helped it survive for over a millennium, making it the oldest surviving building in Oxford.
The church’s Saxon tower still stands today and provides visitors with a rare glimpse into the architectural styles and construction techniques of the period. Inside, the church has been modified over the centuries, with various additions from the medieval period onwards, but the core of the structure remains a testament to its Saxon origins.
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle is a landmark deeply rooted in the city’s history, and its origins can be traced back to the late Saxon period. Although the castle we see today was largely constructed by the Normans after 1066, it was built on the site of a pre-existing Saxon fortification known as a burh.
This burh was part of a network of defensive settlements established by King Alfred the Great and his successors to protect against Viking invasions. The strategic location of the burh, near the confluence of the River Thames and the River Cherwell, was crucial for controlling access to the interior of southern England. The Saxon fortifications were later expanded and reinforced by the Normans, who recognized the site’s military importance.
While much of the original Saxon structure has been lost, the layout of the area still reflects its early defensive purpose.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is not only one of Oxford’s most important religious sites but also a direct link to the city’s Saxon heritage. The site of the cathedral was originally home to the priory of St. Frideswide, a Saxon monastery founded in the 8th century. St. Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint, established this religious community, which became a centre of learning and pilgrimage.
The priory’s influence extended throughout the region, and it played a vital role in the spread of Christianity in the area. Over time, the priory grew in prominence, and its church eventually became the cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford after the Reformation.
Elements of the original Saxon monastery can still be found within the current cathedral structure, particularly in the layout and some of the architectural details. The cathedral also houses a shrine to St. Frideswide, making it a place of both historical and spiritual significance.
Holywell Manor (remains within the structure)
Holywell Manor, located in the heart of Oxford, is now part of Balliol College and serves as accommodation for students. The manor itself has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period, but within its structure are remnants that trace back even further to the Saxon era.
The site where Holywell Manor stands is believed to have been occupied since Saxon times. While much of the current building dates to later periods, particularly the 15th century and beyond, there are indications that elements of the original Saxon construction were incorporated into the later structures. These remains are not immediately visible in the manor’s current form but are believed to include parts of the foundation and possibly some underlying masonry.
The area around Holywell Manor was an important part of early Oxford, with Holywell Street itself being one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares.
Saxon church of St. Mary the Virgin in Iffley (with later additions)
The Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Iffley, located just a short distance from Oxford, is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. However, beneath its striking Norman features lies a deeper history that dates back to the Saxon period. While the majority of the church as it stands today was constructed in the late 12th century, there is evidence that a Saxon church or religious site existed on this spot long before the Norman structure was built.
Archaeological investigations and historical records suggest that a Saxon church or chapel may have stood on this site as early as the 8th or 9th century. While little physical evidence of the original Saxon structure remains visible today, the continuity of worship on this site is indicative of the importance of the location throughout the centuries.
St. George’s Tower
St. George’s Tower is one of the most ancient structures in Oxford, with its origins likely dating back to the late Saxon period, making it one of the oldest parts of Oxford Castle. The tower was originally part of a larger church dedicated to St. George, which served as a place of worship for the local population and as a meeting place for the governing body of the town.
The strategic position of the tower, overlooking the confluence of the River Thames and the River Cherwell, made it an ideal location for defense and control over the surrounding area. After the Norman Conquest, the tower was incorporated into the newly built Oxford Castle, reinforcing its importance as a military and administrative centre.
The tower’s robust construction has allowed it to survive through the centuries, and it now stands as a symbol of Oxford’s enduring legacy. Today, St. George’s Tower is a central feature of the Oxford Castle & Prison attraction.
