Tolkien's Ghost at Merton College
1 November 2021
Merton College, Merton Street, Oxford
J.R.R. Tolkien's ghost is said to walk the quads and corridors of Merton College, leaving behind it a distinctive whiff of pipe smoke!
Ghosts and Inklings at the Eagle and Child
1 November 2021
St. Giles' Street, Oxford
The Eagle and Child pub was once home to a famous literary group, but its cellars are said to be home to more sinister visitors.
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.'