Explore Oxford with the online Civil War Tour

Discover the extraordinary role that Oxford played during the early 1640s when it briefly became England’s capital.

Hear hidden stories of Oxford and follow in the footsteps of Oxford's people during 1642–1646 as they lived through the English Civil War. From King Charles I to prisoners of war, military hospitals to royal lodgings, find out more about the lives and locations that shaped this city.

Simply follow the online Civil War tour, starting at the Ashmolean, to learn about the impact the Civil War had on the city and its people. You can do the whole tour in one go (this takes about 90 minutes) or you can just dip in when you feel like it. The tour is free and all locations can be viewed throughout the year. Look at our Civil War map to see where all the stops are in Oxford.