Oxford Castle and Jail, Oxford
Oxford Castle and Jail is a historic site in Oxford with much history. Many famous monarchs, historical figures and prisoners have walked its hallways. Recently investigated by Most Haunted, are you ready to come and investigate the secrets of this fascinating building?
History
The construction of Oxford Castle and Jail began following the Battle of Hastings. Robert d'Oilly fought by the side of William the Conqueror and began to build the castle for him and it was used by the royal family for some years after.
Princess Matilda (also known as Princess Maud) , the only legitimate child of Henry I was said to have fled the castle in 1142 from her cousin Stephen who seized the throne following her fathers death. History holds that she crossed the Thames on a snowy day wearing only her white night dress to camouflage herself.
The buildings were first recorded as being used as prison in 1230 and this use is thought to have continued for many centuries until the it was purchased by Christ's College in 1611.
During the reign of King James, the Castle was refortified and garrisoned as part of the English Civil War defences. It was eventually partially destroyed by the parliamentary troops but it remained as a prison.
In 1770 a report by John Howard condemned the prison as unfit for human habitation. The buildings then spent some time unoccupied.
In 1800 the site came back in to use as County Hall, which included a county gaol and court. Its use continued through the site being taken over by the Prison Commissioners in 1878 and eventually ceased in 1996 when the prison was eventually closed.
From this time on the property has had many uses; it has been used for filming many televisions and film shows and is now a tourist attraction.
Paranormal Activity
There have been many reports of paranormal activity at Oxford Castle and Jail, including:
* The murderer Mary Blandy was held in the castle, tried and hanged in 1752. Her ghost has been seen walking the Castle Mound.
* A white mist has been seen rising up a flight of stairs, where it disappered right before the eyes of the terrified security guard.
* Unidentifiable shouts and screams have been heard in the walls of the building, many of which have been caught on camera by the
various film crews who have spent time there.