A Lordly Assault at the Randolph Hotel
11 October 2021
Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street, Oxford
In March 1870, Lord Randolph Churchill was arrested for an alleged drunken assault on a police constable outside the Randolph Hotel.
Pantry Boy Murdered at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford
30 September 2021
Wycliffe Hall, Banbury Road, Oxford
In 1938 the University of Oxford was rocked by the murder of a sixteen-year-old pantry boy by a theological student at Wycliffe Hall.
Richard Haydock, fraudulent sleeping preacher of New College
24 September 2021
New College, Holywell Street, Oxford
Richard Haydock became famous for his apparent ability to preach sermons in his sleep, sermons that he claimed to have no memory of when waking.
Deaths at the opening of Oxford's first public bath
24 September 2021
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'
23 September 2021
Catherine Street, Oxford
The 'Home of Compassion' was a Cowley-based foundling hospital, but with a shocking mortality rate.
Littlemore Lunatic Asylum
20 August 2021
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.
Attempted Murder at University College
19 August 2021
Master's Lodge, Logic Lane, Oxford
When Catherine Riordan's relationship with Junior Dean John Haines ended in 1890, Catherine swore 'By God, I will be a murderess.'
Jacob Barnet Flees his Own Baptism
16 August 2021
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, High Street, Oxford
In 1612 Jewish scholar Jacob Barnet was thrown into prison for fleeing Oxford on the day of his planned Baptism ceremony.
The Hanging of a Royal Pretender and his Cat
14 August 2021
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!