Oxford Castle and Prison- 16 June

Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle

We did an excellent small group tour with Aden, our tour guide, who was dressed as a convict.

Aden – our convict guide
I always thought these were called stocks but they are actually called a Pillory. Stocks were for the feet (not to be confused with socks!) Depending on the severity of the crime, some criminals had their ears nailed down, meaning that when it was time for them to be released, their ears had to be cut off and left there!

Inside the prison…

Inside the Prison area
Very basic cells
Kim checking out his new accommodation
In the crypt

One of the prisons most notorious inmates. You may remember him.

This padded cell was created just for him

One of the youngest inmates!

In 1642 the crypt roof caved in and was covered for 150 years. While prisoners were digging(hard labour) the crypt was uncovered! Because of the cold temperature it was used for storing dead bodies before burial.

Oxford was a silent prison in Victorian times, no one was allowed to talk.

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