Horace Wright, Oxfordshire's least successful highwayman
18 April 2023
Near Henley-on-Thames
Highwayman-obsessed Horace Wright was described by some as 'the modern Dick Turpin', but by others as 'a candidate for an asylum'!
Haunted Lord William's School, Thame
9 April 2023
Lord William's School, Oxford Road, Thame
Thame's oldest school is said to be haunted by the ghost of a school Matron who was murdered by another staff member in the 19th century.
The Devil at Barnard Gate
27 March 2023
Barnard Gate, Eynsham
The Devil in the form of a fiery serpent is said to have ensnared a man on his way to Barnard Gate.
Lost Gibbet at Gallowstree Common
13 March 2023
Gallowstree Common, South Oxfordshire
The name of this village in South Oxfordshire is a reminder of its history as a place where executed criminals were gibbeted.
Brutal murder of a match girl
9 March 2023
Botley Road/Binsey Lane, Oxford
The murder of Betsy Richards in 1871 was described by Oxford Coroner William Brunner as the worst crime he had seen in his 28 year career.
A Farm called Purgatory
17 February 2023
Purgatory, Steeple Barton
An unusual name jumps out at you while browsing maps of the River Dorn between Steeple Barton and Wootton: Purgatory. What is this hellish-sounding place, and how did it get its name?
Infanticide at Culham Station
17 February 2023
Culham Station, Abingdon Rd, Culham
In 1873, Culham stationmaster William Bradshaw made a grisly discovery in the station toilets that saw passenger Jane Haines on trial for infanticide.
Ghosts, Giants and Beasts of the Chequers Inn, Oxford
17 February 2023
The Chequers, 131 High Street, Oxford
The Chequers dates back over eight centuries and boasts a strange history, including strange animals, giants, secret tunnels and ghostly monks!
Shot students at Caudwell's Castle
14 February 2023
5 Folly Bridge, Abingdon Road
Just two years after it was built, the owner of Caudwell's Castle was on trial for shooting a student who had been tampering with his ornamental cannons!