Oxford Castle

The ideas behind the project

The aim of Oxford Preservation Trust was to provide public access to the historic buildings, promote learning about the history of Oxford outside the University, and ensure that the new spaces became an integral part of Oxford's urban fabric.

St George's Tower, the Crypt and the 18th century buildings have been restored, carefully retaining the patina of age and history, and visitors are now able to climb the Castle Mound as well as admire panoramic views of Oxford from the top of the Tower. And with its audio-visual guides, beautifully designed information panels and inventive interactive displays, Unlocked has succeeded in making the complex history of the site accessible to all.

For those wanting to find out more, The Key Learning Centre offers purpose-built education facilities and a learning programme for schoolchildren and adult learners. A Learning and Access Officer is employed by Oxfordshire County Council to deliver this programme, and Oxford Preservation Trust works in close collaboration on lifelong learning events.

The project also includes a new public square and performance space, the Castleyard. With permanent seating at the base of the Mound and a space designed specifically with outdoor events in mind, the Castleyard is a perfect setting for performances of all kinds or simply to sit and soak in the atmosphere, while Café Food is the ideal place for a coffee or light meal.

A unique partnership

The success of the Oxford Castle project was the result of a unique partnership between landowner Oxfordshire County Council, developer Oxford Castle Limited and Oxford Preservation Trust.

Financial support for the main scheme was provided by SEEDA and English Heritage - who funded the restoration of St George's Tower.
The Trust's project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with a £3.8 million grant, the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (for the external spaces), and a number of local trusts and private donors. Uniquely for this type of project, part of the funding also came in the form of building works by Oxford Castle Limited.

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