Deaths at the opening of Oxford's first public bath
Corner of Castle Street and New Road, Oxford
Joy turned to horror in June 1852 when two were killed in an explosion at the opening of the Oxford City Bath and Washhouse.
Infant deaths at the 'Home of Compassion'
Catherine Street, Oxford
The 'Home of Compassion' was a Cowley-based foundling hospital, but with a shocking mortality rate.
Littlemore Lunatic Asylum
Sandford Road, Littlemore
In 1884 a misunderstanding between staff at Littlemore Asylum saw a confused visitor being stripped, bathed and confined to bed as a patient.
The Hanging of a Royal Pretender and his Cat
Beaumont Street, Oxford
In 1318 John Deydras made an extraordinary claim: he had been swapped with Edward II as a baby and was the true heir to the English throne!
Oxford's Sheela Na Gig
St Michael at the North Gate Church, Cornmarket Street, Oxford
This explicit stone carving is an unusual addition to one of Oxford's oldest churches.
Isaac Grubb and the 1867 Bread Riots
Somerville House, 130 Banbury Road, Oxford
Baker Isaac Grubb incurred the town's anger when it was revealed he was selling bread to the university on the cheap.
Cabbage Theft Ends in Tragedy at Headingon Church
St. Andrew's Church, St, Headington
A misunderstanding ended in tragedy in 1872, when the Parish Clerk of Headington was accused of stealing cabbages from a neighbour.
A Suicide Buried Near Donnington Bridge
Donnington Bridge Road
In 1803 the body of a perfidious harness maker was buried at the junction of Donnington Bridge Road and the Iffley Road.
Duck Prank Leads to Murder at Wolvercote
Wolvercote, Oxford
When accused of stealing a duck Thomas Beesley denied it, but 'He was proved a liar by the loud quacking coming from his coat pocket'!
The Black Diver of Magdalen Bridge
Magdalen Bridge, High Street, Oxford
Magdalen Bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a chimney sweep who was shot while celebrating the 1754 Oxfordshire election results.