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Oxford Haunted Tour
Oxford is the home to the brightest minds in the world — both living and dead. Dare you discover the city’s haunted past this Halloween? If you’re feeling brave enough, here is the ultimate list of the creepiest places in Oxford that you need to visit come October 31st. Remember, just don’t go alone!
If the ghouls get too much and you’re in need of a quick escape on this frightening night, the Oxford Tube is never too far away to get you away from the horrors. We wish you well on your Halloween adventure, although we can’t guarantee that you’ll have the nerve to see all of the spooky places on our list.
Oxford Castle
Soaked in 1,000 years’ worth of history, Oxford Castle should be the first stop on your tour. But what’s so scary about a medieval castle that was built in 1073 you are asking? Well, let’s take you back to 12th century England.
Stephen and Matilda, two grandchildren of William the Conqueror, battled out for the throne of England. Empress Matilda was the rightful heir and would have been the first Queen of England if the aristocracy didn’t oppose to a woman taking the title.
Empress Matilda was held captive at Oxford Castle for three months but then, on one dark winter night, she escaped. It was freezing and the land was full of snow but she used this to her advantage. She disguised herself against the snowfall by wrapping herself in a white cape.
Legend has it that you can still see Empress Matilda around Oxford Castle wearing her iconic white cape, so there is a chance you may bump into her on the deadliest night of the year.
St John’s College
Ghosts don’t always have their body parts handy. Archbishop William Laud was beheaded in 1645 due to an impeachment in Long Parliament. These days, he spends his time roaming St John’s College headless. It is said that students who have been doing their studies in the library have been petrified at the sight of the Archbishop kicking his head around the floor with a lit candle in his hand.
He was executed at Tower Hill in London, but was in fact a student at the college when he was younger, so this is said to be the reason as to why he haunts the library.
Christ Church College
Archbishop William Laud was ordered to be executed under Charles I’s reign – years later, Charles I was executed himself for treason. The reason as to why Charles I takes residence at Christ Church College is because when he was King of England, Scotland and Ireland, he used the deanery as his palace. He also used the great hall for his parliament throughout the English Civil War.
Students who have been to this college have said that they have seen the former King walking around both with his head and at other times without it.
The Old Bank Hotel
The Old Bank Hotel might look completely innocent from the outside, but its history takes a dark turn. Before this building was converted into a hotel, it was in fact a bank. Those who worked there said that they had witnessed paranormal activity, hearing voices or objects being moved around. There were also sightings of a figure wearing a brown dress moving from one side of the room to another.
Before it was turned into a bank, it was a residential building home to Prudence Burcote – who we now believe is that haunting character. She was from a wealthy, puritan family but then entered a relationship with a cavalier – a King Charles I supporter. When her parents found out, she was banished from the family home and moved in with her lover.
With her lovers royal duties being priority, he had to leave Oxford for work. Prudence moved back into her family home and awaited her lover to come back – which he never did. Heartbroken Prudence took her own life and is said to haunt the building to this date.
If you find yourself in Oxford on this creepy night, make sure to keep an eye out for all of the paranormal activity. Halloween happens once a year, so make the most of it!