Click HERE to read Debbie's April Blog Post: Roadmap by any other name...
Latest News
Spring/Summer Newsletter Released
Our Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter has been released and should be arriving on our members’ doorsteps now!
OPT have been keeping very busy despite the lockdown. This newsletter is full of...
A Return to In-Person Events
As Oxford begins to re-open after lockdown, we are delighted to begin running in-person events again for our members with a range of guided walks alongside our popular virtual talks..
...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge Update
We hope you enjoyed Liz Woolley’s talk on “…those rampageous, dragonnading fire-devils… - The coming of the railway to Oxford”
This week the Rewley Road Swing Bridge was successfully jacked...
Happy Easter from the OPT Team!
If you are looking for things to do with the family this weekend, why not try out one of our family activities here:...
Book now for our latest virtual talk: …those rampageous, dragonnading fire-devils… - The coming of the railway to Oxford
Join us on Thursday 8 April at 5pm to hear local historian Liz Woolley discuss the history of Oxford's railway!
The railway arrived...
New Blog Post: A glorious Summer ahead
As Winter nears its end, Click here to read Debbie’s March Blog...
Virtual Talk: Stories of Oxford Castle: from dungeon to dunghill with Mark Davies
After a wonderful range of online talks over the last few months we now come to ‘Stories of Oxford Castle: from dungeon to dunghill' with author...
Back on site at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge restoration
The sun was shining on the Rewley Road Swing Bridge restoration on Tuesday morning!
It was the team's second day back on site after the winter break (due to flooding) and our Heritage...
The Chairman's Lecture - A plan for Broad Street with award winning landscape architect, Kim Wilkie
Join us on Thursday 11 March at 5pm for William Whyte's quarterly Chairman's Lecture.
Last year there was much interest in Oxford’s empty streets, with pop up pavement cafes appearing...
Congratulations Malcolm Graham!
Congratulations to Malcolm Graham, who has been awarded with a Personal Achievement Award by the British Association for Local History (BALH)....
Winners of the OPT Awards in Lockdown Announced
On Tuesday 23 February, for the first time ever, the OPT Awards Evening went virtual.
OPT were joined online by nearly 200 guests as eight plaques and fifteen certificates were awarded,...
New blog post: Oxford in a Box!
Discover the wonderful story behind the 'Oxford Heritage Walks' books and find out how...
Our latest virtual talk - A Jewel in the Crown - Oxford's Covered Market
While the evenings are still dark, we are delighted to help lighten your evenings with our programme of virtual talks so do join us for ‘A Jewel in the Crown - Oxford's Covered Market’ –...
Magnet fishing at the Swing Bridge
Have you ever heard of magnet fishing? We certainly hadn't, but thanks go to Tom Davis, an archaeology student at Southampton University...
Virtual talk: Turning the bridge - saving the Rewley Road Railway Swing Bridge with Tom Hassall
Have you heard about our recent magnet fishing discoveries? Find out about this and much more...
Oxford Landscape and Trees - book now
'Oxford Landscapes and Trees' - Join us virtually on Wednesday 13 January at 5pm for this fascinating talk with OPT Trustee, Julian Munby. Definitely one not to miss so book...
Committed to keeping our land open
Happy New Year from all the OPT team. OPT are committed to keeping all our green spaces open for you to enjoy. Getting out into the countryside has positive outcomes for all our...
Join the OPT team
We have an exciting opportunity to join OPT as our Assistant Heritage and Outreach Officer. For more information about the role and how to apply click...
East St Helen Street Window Complete!
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of the decorated timber window at our medieval merchant's house on East St Helen Street (the oldest house in Abingdon) is now...
A Review of the Year
We hope you enjoyed OPT Director, Debbie Dance's Christmas Lecture: 'Oxford's Changing Landscape: A Review of 2020'.
This was a virtual first for the annual lecture, and we...
International Film Festival Success
Oxford City Council's 'History of the Covered Market with Malcolm Graham' film from Oxford Open Doors was an Award Winner at the 11th season of the ...
Christmas Lecture - Book Now!
Start the festive season with our annual Christmas Lecture from OPT Director Debbie Dance!
This year, Debbie will be talking about Oxford's changing...
Winter Newsletter Released
Our latest Winter Newsletter is out and should have hit members' doormats!
It is jam-packed full of stories from the last few months and what to look forward to next year...
Full steam ahead on the restoration of the Rewley Road Swing Bridge!
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of the Rewley Road Swing Bridge is to begin, thanks to the support of the Railway Heritage Trust, Historic England, Network Rail, Chiltern...
St Catz virtual event - thank you Geoffrey, and further reading if you want to know more?
A huge thank you to Geoffrey Tyack for his brilliant virtual talk about the history of St Catz last week, exploring the stunning modern architecture and the story of how the College came to be....
Looking for office space?
OPT are looking for a new tenant to be our neighbour in our lovely characterful self-contained offices in central Oxford. It would suit someone wanting to work away from home or looking to...
St Catz - Virtual Event
Join OPT Trustee, Dr Geoffrey Tyack, to discover more about St Catherine's College and “a perfect piece of architecture”.
Please book your place via the...
New blog post! October: Green spaces for all, forever
“Oxford is growing. Its growth may be guided but should not be grudged. The work of the Trust is not to hamper Oxford but to help it… Oxford is not a museum piece. It is a living thing...
Covered Market Site Hoarding
The site hoarding of the former Lindsey’s unit has now come down, which means you can finally see the progress of our brilliant contractors more easily!
...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Box Set Available!
As well as recently launching Book 6 in the Oxford Heritage Walks series, we have also released a set of all six books, supplied in a special presentation box!
The box set...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Book 6 Available!
In advance of Malcolm Graham’s illustrated talk on Monday, we are thrilled to announce that the sixth and final book in our Oxford Heritage Walks series is now available to buy on...
Wolvercote Community Orchard
Our Land Officer and one of our Heritage Assistants were delighted to pick a basket of apples as our rent from Wolvercote Apple Orchard. We are looking forward to tasting the...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Book 6 Launch
On 19 October, we will be launching the final book in the Oxford Heritage Walks series: ‘On Foot from the High to Trill Mill’.
Join Malcolm Graham...
New blog post! September: Oxford Open Doors
With clear blue skies, and without the crowds, Oxford Open Doors 2020 was a great success. Over the...
Walks Still Available!
As a result of recent changes to COVID-19 government guidance, we have decided to keep our variety of self-guided walks from Oxford Open Doors available on the website. From...
Chairman's Lecture - Virtual Event
Join Professor Joanna Innes, Senior Research Fellow at Somerville College, for the Chairman’s Lecture ‘Blogging the Floodplain’ to hear more about her blog writing journey!
...Covered Market Restoration Nearing Conclusion
Have you spotted us on-site at The Covered Market?
The restoration of three historic stalls in Oxford’s Covered Market is drawing to a close...
From Axtell to Zacharias - Virtual Event
Join local historian, Liz Woolley, as she explores the men who built Oxford.
By the late 1880s, there were more than seventy speculative developers and building firms whose...
Success for Oxford Open Doors
With clear blue skies, and without the crowds, Oxford Preservation Trust has scored another success with this year’s new-look Oxford Open Doors.
The weekend (12-13 September) saw an...
Oxford Open Doors is here
Oxford Open Doors is here with a great range of virtual events and self-guided walks with family activities.
Virtual events are available ...
Oxford Open Doors - FEEDBACK FORM
Let us know about your experiences during Oxford Open Doors.
Please complete our Feedback form ...
Oxford Open Doors: VIRTUAL
Oxford Open Doors is going online, with a huge range of virtual events!
Details are available here with all virtual...
Oxford Open Doors: SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Oxford Open Doors is going outside, with a massive variety of self-guided walks!
These are available to view now until Sunday 20 September as part of Open Doors...
Oxford Open Doors - PRIZE DRAW
For extra #OxfordOpenDoors events and content, join Oxford Preservation Trust!
If you become a member...
New blog post! August: Where will the tourists go?
It’s Tuesday lunchtime, and I am enjoying lunch in a friendly bubble at the Old Bank, with thanks to Dishy Rishy. We could have gone...
Oxford Open Doors Goes Online!
Listen out for Oxford Preservation Trust's Director, Debbie Dance, on BBC Radio Oxford's Drive show around 4.10pm...
East St. Helen Street Restoration Continues
The restoration of the window at our medieval merchant’s house at 26 East St. Helen Street continues. Despite the inclement weather, good progress has been made with the ...
Visit Oxford Castle & Prison
Looking for something to do in Oxford? Why not visit Oxford Castle & Prison!
The Castle has the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and everything you need to know...
Introducing the Heyford Owlets
We are excited to share the news that the Heyford Meadow Barn Owls have successfully fledged four owlets! Many locals have enjoyed the Heyford owls.
Read more about...
Volunteer Work Parties: From Wolvercote to Heyford
After a successful first socially distanced Conservation Work Party since lockdown at Wolvercote Lakes on 7 August, volunteers will be returning to Heyford Meadow for the first...
Covered Market Restoration Continues
Have you seen us on-site at The Covered Market?
The restoration of three historic stalls in Oxford’s Covered Market continues, within the...
Volunteer Work Parties Return
Today (7 August) marks the return of our volunteer work parties!
During a Conservation Work Party, volunteers work alongside OPT staff to maintain and manage land in and...
The Pitt Rivers Museum ‘a dream that failed’ – Virtual Event
Join OPT Vice-President, Professor Malcolm Airs, as he explores the Pitt Rivers Museum and ‘a dream that failed’.
Please book your place on the ...
First Virtual AGM
Following a series of popular virtual talks during lockdown, Oxford Preservation Trust’s 93rd Annual General Meeting took to the screen.
Wednesday 29th July...
New blog post! July: Oxford Meadows
As things ease, I am pleased to accept an invitation to meet with much-missed friends who live in South Hinksey, able to be outside to enjoy a summer’s evening, heading over at the end of a day in...
East St. Helen Street Window Restoration
We are excited to share the news that we are back restoring the window at our medieval merchant’s house at 26 East St. Helen Street, Abingdon which has been dated to 1430...
Entries Closed for OPT Awards
Friday 17th July marked the closing of the OPT Awards 2020 application window and we have received a brilliant number of submissions!
Thank you to all of those who have...
OPT Celebrates Festival of Archaeology
To celebrate this year’s Festival of Archaeology (11-19 July), we held another sold-out webinar yesterday evening. This time, David Radford, City Council...
New Team Member at OPT
Last week, we welcomed our newest member of staff, Lucy Inskip, who has joined us from The Heritage Alliance.
You can read more about Lucy and the rest of the team...
Oxford Castle & Prison Reopened on 4th July
As Oxford Castle and Prison enter the second weekend of reopening their doors, your safety continues to be their highest priority, and the Castle team have been busy putting...
Oxford's Hated Buildings and Failed Projects - a virtual event via Zoom
Join OPT Chairman William Whyte as he explores the city's hated buildings and failed projects in the 20th century. Definitely not to be missed!
Please book your place on the ...
New blog post! June: Oxford gets back to work
I have returned to the office and thinking forward as the entries come in for this year’s Oxford Preservation Trust ...
There's still time to enter the OPT Awards 2020!
Some of you asked if you could have a little more time to send in your projects, so we're extending the deadline to Friday 17 July.
Anyone can enter a project...
Sustrans Kennington Meadows project
Sustrans have completed their project to introduce a new surface and drainage scheme in the water meadow near the river at...
Release of Forward Events Programme!
Join OPT for a host of virtual events this Summer!
From talks including "Oxford's Hated Buildings and Failed Projects" with OPT Chairman William Whyte, to self-guided walks on National...
New Blog Post! May - Oxford's empty streets are still alive
Working from home is not an easy fit at OPT when we need to have a sense of what is happening on the ground in and around the city, keeping our eyes and ears open, meeting and talking with people...
Visiting our green spaces
Open green space is essential for our health and wellbeing, and we are delighted that more people than ever are now out and about enjoying OPT land. With our commitment to the green agenda, OPT...
OPT Awards 2020 - open for entries!
The OPT Awards 2020 are still open for entries!
Anyone can enter a project, and this year we have a new Green Award to recognise the importance of...
OPT remember Kennington Servicemen on VE Day
Friday 8 May 2020 marks 75 years since VE Day as Oxford Preservation Trust remember the servicemen of Oxford and share the history of our own Kennington Memorial Field.
...
New Blog Post: April - From Shakespeare to South Park, an OPT legacy lives on
Thursday 23 April was Shakespeare’s Birthday, and we should have gathered in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, surrounded by robed Oxford dignitaries across town and gown, ready to parade from the Town...
A toast for Shakespeare's birthday!
Welcome to our virtual celebration of Shakespeare's birthday!
Join OPT Chairman William Whyte as he gives the OPT annual toast to Shakespeare on his birthday, raising a...
Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with our family activities
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the Crown Tavern, where Shakespeare is said to have stayed on several occasions.
Each year on 23 April...
Painted Room virtual tour to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the 13th century...
OPT to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday!
Join OPT at 11.30 am on Thursday 23 April to raise a toast to the immortal bard, remembering the NHS and all those doing so much to look after us at the same time.
Oxford Preservation Trust...
Family activities for Easter
We’re sure that, like us, if you’re lucky enough to have some outside space, you’ve found a whole new appreciation for your balconies, courtyards and gardens during lockdown.
Exploring your...
New blog post: March - Oxford and your Health & Wellbeing
Our glorious City is a jewel in a sea of green, where town meets country, with its fingers of green running into and through it. All is heightened by this glorious weather, signs of spring with...
Visiting our green spaces - our latest update on COVID-19
OPT is continually thinking about access to our green spaces as well as the health and safety of our members and local communities. We are closely following guidance and best practice to help...
The Covered Market
Have you seen that we’re on site at The Covered Market?
We’re working in partnership with...
26 & 26a East St Helen Street
We're doing conservation work on an almost 600-year-old window!
The window comes from our medieval house in Abingdon - 26 and 26a East St Helen Street.
It dates from c.1430 and...
A message to our members
I wanted to write to you at this extraordinary time to let you know that OPT remains in good heart and, despite the many challenges facing it, will continue its vital work.
Our OPT team are...
Chairman's Lecture
Are you interested in the future of our countryside? Join Crispin Truman OBE, Chief Executive of CPRE The countryside charity, for the third in our series of Chairman's Lectures. 'Cycling, CPRE...
Entries for the OPT Awards 2020 are now OPEN!
The launch of this year’s Awards took place at The Oxford Trust’s Science Oxford Centre and Wood Centre for Innovation, Stansfield Park – winners of...
Annual Day School
The OPT Annual Day School will be on Saturday 25 April!
In partnership with the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, this year’s OPT Annual Day...
We're recruiting!
There is currently a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their heritage career to join our team as an Assistant Heritage and Planning Officer.
To find out more and apply, please...
Excavations at Oxford Castle, 1999-2009 Awards Nomination
We are delighted that 'Excavations at Oxford Castle, 1999-2009' has been nominated in the Book of the Year category for the 2020 Current Archaeology Awards!
Voting is live and open to...
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all our supporters! This January we have welcomed OPT's two newest members, Laura and Katie, who have joined us as Planning Officer and Heritage Outreach and Projects Officer....
Ann Spokes Symonds
We are sorry to begin the year with the sad news that our Vice President, Ann Spokes Symonds sadly died on 27 December. Ann was 94 and had been ill in the latter half of last year. Ann’s family...
Merry Christmas from OPT
Thank you to all our supporters who have helped us to make 2019 another fantastic year and we look forward to a busy year in 2020, with more members than ever before, numerous events planned...
Walks in our Green Spaces
Each of our walks have been restyled into printable booklets - take a walk through our beautiful landscape, enjoying the glorious views and multitude of wildlife. Visit our walks page to download...
OPT's Annual Christmas Lecture
On Tuesday 3rd of December, OPT held their annual Christmas Lecture at the Key Learning Centre Oxford Castle. After Debbie's recital of her 12 blogs of Christmas the evening turned its focus to...
OPT Awards 2019 Plaque Unveiling - Dora Carr Close
On Wednesday 11th December, our Chairman William Whyte was delighted to have been invited to the plaque unveiling of one of this year’s OPT Awards, Dora Carr Close. The Development by GreenSquare...
A great Christmas gift - special deal on our Heritage Walk Books
Still searching for that special Christmas gift? Buy the full set of our 5 Heritage Walk Books for only £29.99 (plus post and packaging).
Our Oxford Heritage Walks open a treasure chest of...
Oxford Castle & Prison Education Programme awarded the Sandford Award
Congratulations to Lisa Price and the staff at Oxford Castle and Prison having been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award.
The Sandford Award recognises outstanding education programmes at...
Our latest newsletter
Our latest newsletter is now available, updating you all we have been doing here at OPT. ...
OPT Awards 2019 - Congratulations to all our plaque winners
Thank you to all our participants in this year's OPT Awards, which has been our biggest year yet with 56 entries across town and gown. Join in the conversation online using the hashtag #...
Launch of Heritage Walk Book 5
Yesterday, a very jolly event event took place at the OPT offices to celebrate the launch of Book 5 in Heritage Walk...
Chairman's Lecture with David Prout
As part of OPT's Chairman's Lecture series we welcomed David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford to give a talk on the past present and future of the University of Oxford Estate...
Carole Souter speaks at Oxford's Citizens Assembly on Climate Change
On Sunday 29th of September OPT Trustee, Dr Carole Souter represented the Trust at the UK’s first full citizens assembly on climate change, which was held in Oxford. All the presentations were...
We're hiring - do you fit the bill?
OPT are seeking a Planner/Senior Planner to provide part-time maternity cover for 12 months from November 2019. (Some...
Oxford Open Doors 2019 - Over and Out
Oxford Open Doors 2019 has officially closed. It has been another amazing year, bringing together people from Oxford and further afield together to appreciate our beautiful city in all its glory....
Oxford Castle Publication Launch
Join us on Monday 9th of September at the Key Learning Centre, Oxford Castle, for the launch of the highly anticipated publication 'Excavations at Oxford Castle 1999-2009'. There will be a...
Our Venue Packs are on the Way!!
On Wednesday evening the lovely CyclOx and OxPA arrived to collect this year's venue pack for delivery ready for Oxford Open Doors. We are so grateful to both these organisations for their...
Oxford Open Doors Bookings now Open!
At 12 noon on the 28th August bookings for a select amount of Oxford Open Doors Events went live! We have lots of amazing venues in the line-up for OOD 2019 and are looking forward to seeing you...
Oxford Open Doors 2019 - the brochure is coming...
Oxford Open Doors is fast approaching. Join us on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September for a weekend full to bursting of events and places to visit with the theme 'Made in Oxford'.
The...
Oxford Castle & Prison wins Sandford Award
Oxford Castle and Prison have been announced as one of this year's Sandford Award Winners 2019. The Sandford Award is independently judged mark of quality for education programmes of heritage site...
Festival of Archaeology at Oxford Castle
As part of the 2019 Festival of Archaeology, two events were held in Oxford's Castle Quarter. On ,Tuesday 16 July Tom Hassall gave a talk on 50 Years of Archaeology, which described the changing...
Pub Walk to Vicky Arms
On Tuesday 9th of July OPT members, guided by Rachel Sanderson, Land Officer, walked from the University Parks along the Cherwell, finishing up at the Vicky Arms. The weather was perfect and the...
Celebrate Archaeology with OPT
Join us for this free event on Tuesday 16 July at 5pm when OPT Trustee Tom Hassall will share '50 years of Archaeology' in Oxford with us.
For further information and to...
OPT Welcomes Chief Exec of Historic England to AGM
OPT were pleased to welcome Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England to speak at our AGM on the 27th of June this year. Duncan's talk, 'Historic England’s approach to championing and...
OPT Vice-President Malcolm Airs awarded OBE
The OPT Team wish to send their heartfelt congratulations to our Vice-President, Malcolm Airs, upon being awarded an OBE in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the...
LMS Swingbridge community open evening on 10 July
OPT is restoring the LMS Swingbridge in 2019. Want to know more? Come to the community open evening on Wednesday 10 July from 5.30-7pm to hear about the history of this rather special...
North Hinksey Pub Walk
On the 23rd May our members and some of the OPT Team enjoyed a pub walk from our offices at 10 Turn Again Lane to the Fishes at North Hinksey.
The walk was led by our Land Officer, Rachel...
A celebration for Shakespeare's birthday
On the weekend of 26th April, OPT helped Oxford to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday!
Kicking off with the annual Parade from the Town Hall to our very own Painted Room, we enjoyed...
Celebrate your project! OPT Awards 2019
The OPT Awards 2019 are now open click here.
Now in their 42nd year we are...
An opportunity to tour the Painted Room
Enjoy a tour of the Painted Room on Weds 27th February 12:30-13:00. You'll see rare Elizabethan wall paintings, learn the history of the rooms and the connections to both Shakespeare and Betjeman...
Free year round entry to Oxford Castle & Prison
OPT members enjoy year round historic talks, walks, unique experiences, great discounts and FREE year round entry to Oxford Castle & Prison and mound.
OPT membership costs from just £...
Oxford Outdoors 2019
Nothing beats a good walk in the fresh air and OPT encourage everyone to enjoy a walk on their land. You'll experience a good dollop of Oxford history and some breathtaking views - a very special...
Year round free entry to Oxford Castle and Prison
Did you know that OPT members receive year round free entry to Oxford Castle and Prison, as well as a 10% discount in the gift shop and café?
Click ...
Our Medieval Merchant's House
Did you know that you can visit our Medieval Merchant's house in Abingdon?
The house on East St. Helen Street is the oldest in Abingdon, with construction being dated at 1430. It is full...
We are 90!
For 90 years we've been striving to keep the best of Oxford's past and building a brighter future.
If you love Oxford, support us and the crucial work that we do and become a member. You'...
Looking for a new walk this spring?
If you fancy getting out and about more this spring, why not try a walk on some of our land?
Over the 90 years since we first began, we have sought to protect Oxford's green setting for...
Do something positive for Oxford
If you are passionate about Oxford and ensuring a positive future for this special city, then why not join us?
We are a 90 year old charity and quite simply, Oxford wouldn't be the same...
A historical tale of supplying water to Oxford
We wanted to share this fascinating piece written by Malcolm Graham. Enjoy.
We are 90!
We celebrated our 90th birthday on Saturday 18th November with a get together and some birthday cake in our cherished venue of the Painted Rooms. We were joined by members longstanding and new...
We've got Christmas wrapped up!
Are you struggling to think of Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest? We can help! If you are a member, we have two great offers for you:
1. Our brilliant Heritage Walk books (...
Record numbers of Snake’s Head Fritillaries found on OPT land.
OPT are delighted to announce a record number of the much loved but unfortunately rare Snake’s Head Fritillaries on one of their carefully cared for meadows.
Thanks to some early warm...
Hurry! There are Vacant Moorings available.
Moorings in Oxfordshire are in constant demand, but we are pleased to announce that we have a recreational mooring available to rent at Godstow. Contact Freddie on 01865 269172 for full details....
Christchurch v Christ Church - exploring heritage links
OPT Director, Debbie Dance, offers a view point on proposals to rebuild Christ Church Cathedral in New Zealand. ...
Volunteering opportunities at Oxford Castle
The Learning Team at Oxford Castle are looking for volunteers to assist with our programme for schools and families.
If you’re able to offer an extra pair of hands to help...
Latest planning projects
Planning lies at the heart of everything we do. Our Planning Panel recently met to discuss the Oxford Local Plan and we have written to the City Council to understand more about how they are to...
Latest edition in our Heritage Book series
Get your copy of the latest edition in our Heritage Book series unveiling the history behind our streets before your very eyes. Book 4 ‘ From Paradise Street to Sheepwash’...
Harcourt Hill Appeal
We have been delighted by the success of the Harcourt Hill Field appeal which raised £120,000 to allow us to open the Field to the public and connect the walk across the western hills from Raleigh...