Time travellers, brace yourselves for a week-long city break in Oxford, where history, academia, and a good dose of medieval chaos collide. February 10, 1354, marks one of the most infamous events in the university town’s history: the St Scholastica Day Riot. What began as a simple dispute between students and townsfolk escalated into a bloody battle, leaving death, destruction, and a legacy of tension between gown and town. Let’s explore the sights, sounds, and significance of Oxford during this tumultuous time.
Day 1: Arrival in Medieval Oxford – The Town and Gown Divide
Destination: Carfax Tower
Begin your journey at Carfax Tower, the heart of Oxford. The town is bustling with merchants, scholars, and residents, each with their own role in this medieval community. Tensions between the university students (the “gown”) and the townsfolk (the “town”) are palpable. Keep your ears open for grumblings about rowdy scholars and inflated prices at the taverns—these are the sparks that ignite the infamous riot.
Day 2: A Scholar’s Life in 1354
Destination: University Halls and Libraries
Visit one of the earliest university halls, where students live, study, and occasionally clash with the locals. Explore their rigorous studies, focusing on theology, law, and philosophy. While the pursuit of knowledge is admirable, the students’ youthful exuberance (and frequent pub crawls) often puts them at odds with the townspeople. Engage with a scholar or two to hear their perspective on the escalating tensions.
Day 3: The Town’s Perspective
Destination: Covered Market (Medieval Edition)
Spend the day exploring the medieval market, where townsfolk trade goods and services. Speak with merchants and craftsmen about their grievances against the university community. High rents, unruly behaviour, and the students’ sense of entitlement are frequent complaints. This brewing resentment sets the stage for the conflict to come.
Day 4: St Scholastica Day Riot
Destination: Swindlestock Tavern (The Epicentre)
Today, the tension boils over. Head to Swindlestock Tavern, where the riot begins after a dispute between students and the innkeeper over the quality of wine. Watch as tempers flare and a full-blown brawl erupts, spreading through the streets of Oxford. Over the next three days, the violence intensifies, leaving several dead and many injured on both sides. Keep your distance unless you want to get caught in the fray!
Day 5: Aftermath and Justice
Destination: Oxford Town Hall
Visit the town hall to witness the aftermath of the riot. King Edward III intervenes, siding with the university and imposing harsh penalties on the townspeople. For centuries after, Oxford’s mayor and councillors are required to attend an annual penance ceremony, offering 63 pence for the 63 scholars killed during the riot. Reflect on the long-term impact of this event on the relationship between town and gown.
Day 6: Explore Medieval Architecture
Destination: University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Take a break from the turmoil and admire the architectural beauty of medieval Oxford. Visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, a stunning example of Gothic design. The church serves as the administrative centre of the university and a place of worship for scholars. Its towering spire offers a moment of serenity amid the chaos.
Day 7: Legacy and Reflection
Destination: Oxford Castle and Prison
Conclude your trip with a visit to Oxford Castle, a site that predates the university and symbolizes the town’s independent spirit. Reflect on the riot’s legacy, which underscores the ongoing struggle for balance between academic privilege and local rights. While the conflict eventually subsides, the town-and-gown divide remains a defining feature of Oxford’s history.
Did You Know?
- Annual Penance: The town’s annual payment of 63 pence continued until 1825, when the tradition was finally abolished.
- Legal Dominance: Following the riot, the university gained significant legal authority over the town, further exacerbating tensions.
- Unlucky Saint: St Scholastica, the patron saint of the day, is known for her association with prayer and learning—a bittersweet connection given the violence of 1354.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Avoid the Swindlestock Tavern: It’s the flashpoint of the riot—best to admire it from a safe distance.
- Blend In: Wear period-appropriate attire to avoid drawing attention. Scholars’ robes or simple townsfolk garb will do the trick.
- Stay Neutral: Aligning with either the town or gown might land you in hot water. Observe, but don’t participate.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of the St Scholastica Day Riot and medieval Oxford, these resources are a great starting point:
- Books:
- Oxford: A History by Geoffrey Tyack
- The University of Oxford: A History by L.W.B. Brockliss
- Websites:
- Oxford History (www.oxfordhistory.org.uk)
- The Bodleian Library (www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk)
- Articles:
- The St Scholastica Day Riot: Town vs Gown on History Today
- Medieval Oxford and Its Conflicts in BBC History Extra
An Unforgettable (and Occasionally Chaotic) Trip
Oxford in February 1354 offers a unique glimpse into the medieval tensions that shaped one of the world’s most famous university towns. From its stunning architecture to its dramatic conflicts, this city break is as enlightening as it is intense. Just remember to steer clear of flying fists and flasks of wine—history may be fascinating, but it’s best experienced without a black eye.
