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A brief history of Oxford

Oxford was first known as Oxnaford. This means “ford of the oxen.” The Anglo-Saxons were the first ones to settle in this area. This place became an important military town in the 10th century, and it was raided by Danes.

In 1002, the St. Brice’s Day massacre happened where many Danes died. It was instructed by Æthelred. In 2008, the skeletons of these victims were discovered when St. John’s College was about to be built.

In 1066, the Norman Invasion happened, and Oxford was impacted heavily. Robert D’Oyly then ordered the building of Oxford Castle when he was the town’s governor. This is now considered one of the most historical and oldest spots in Britain.

Religious houses were constructed in and around the city when King Henry II granted the citizens the same exemptions and privileges which people of the kingdom’s capital are enjoying.

The first mention of the University of Oxford is found in the records of the 12th century. However, the 1517 sweating sickness epidemic deeply devastated Cambridge and Oxford, killing half the population of both cities.

The court of Charles I was located in the city when the English Civil War happened. This was in 1642 when London expelled the king. Later on, Charles II’s court was built in Oxford. He later on evacuated when the Great Plague of London occurred.

In 1876, a permanent military presence was founded in Oxford when the Cowley Barracks was completed. Henry Hare built the Oxford Town Hall, and future King Edward VII opened it in 1897.

University members’ population decreased during World War I as many people enlisted. The soldiers occupied the vacant places in college, and the wounded soldiers during the war were also treated in some college hospitals.

In the early 20th century, population and industrial growth happened rapidly, and Morris Motors Limited was established in Oxford. This company mass-produced cars in Cowley, and it was done by William Moris.

Although slightly affected during World War II, Oxford was not damaged heavily. The colleges temporarily served as soldiers’ areas for training and military barracks.

The industry and the town itself flourished through the years. There became a large student population, several bars and restaurants were constructed, and a lot of Asian shops and fast-food outlets were located in the area.