A Timeline of Oxford

1500B.C. Onwards-

Bronze Age cattle farmers build large, round graves in the surrounding area. During the Iron Age, the area is dotted with small, mixed farms.

3rd Century AD-

The Romans establish potteries in the area.

635-

The Thames emerges as an important frontier between two Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Wessex and Mercia

730-

The core of the early city is established, as Oxford's first abbey is founded by St. Frideswide on the present-day site of Christ Church.

912-

First recorded mention of Oxford, in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Town is fortified to guard the river crossing and protect the surrounding area from the Danes.

1002-

The Danes in the town are slaughtered, out of fear that they are conspiring against the town. There were numerous Danish raids in Anglo-Saxon England at this time. Some of the Oxford Danes fled into the tower of St. Frideswide for refuge, and the townsfolk burned it to smoke them out.

1010-

The then wooden town of Oxford was burned by the Danes.

1071-

Norman governor Robert d'Oily erects a castle just west of town. He would go on to build the city's first bridges, as well.

12th Century-

Oxford attracts scholarly clerics. The Thames provides power for the mills, and the town economy is based on trade, cloth and leather.

c1130-

Henry I builds the Palace of Beaumont just outside the north gate, giving Oxford its first physical connection to the Royalty.

1167-

English scholars leave the University of Paris, and come to Oxford.

1199-

Town is granted royal charter by King John, and local government develops.

13th Century-

Friars form the major orders teaching in Oxford. Their students live and work in academic halls scattered around the city.

1226-1240

The city wall is rebuilt and extended

1249-1264

The first Colleges are built.

1349-

The Black Death kills one in three people

1355-

St Scholastica's Day massacre. A pub brawl turns into a massacre of dozens of students. This event causes animosity between town and gown for years to come.

1400-

Oxford is one of the largest towns in England, with six thousant residents. Fifteen hundred are students.

1478-

First book (the bible) printed in Oxford.

1536-

The University is nearly destroyed, due to the dissolution of the monasteries. It is saved by Henry VII, when he adopts them to train the states most loyal supporters.

1555-6

The protestant Martyrs Latimer and Ridley are burned at the stake in a city ditch (now Broad street). Six months later, Thomas Cranmer is also burned at the stake. The Martyr's Memorial is pictured above.

1642-5

English Civil War. Oxford is established as the Royal capital and headquarters of the King's Army.

1646

Oxford is besieged by theParliamentary army. King Charles I escapes the city in disguise.

1650s

A group of scientists and mathematitians, including Christopher Wren and Robern Boyle, meet regularly in Wadham college before moving to London in1658 to found the Royal Society.

1664-8

The Sheldonian Theatre, at right, is built.

1771-

Paving Commision established. Much of old Oxford is destroyed to allow easier acces to the city centre.

1830-

The Oxford University Press moves to its present site.

1833-

John Kreble preaches his famous sermon on national apostasy, leading to the foundation of the Oxford Movement.

1879-

The first two womens colleges, Lady Margaret College and Somerville, open.

1913-

William Morris builds a car plant at Cowley. In the 1930's he becomes one of the University's most celebrated benefactors in the fields of medicine and science.

1956-

A green belt is created around Oxford, putting an end to the reckless development that surrounded the city.

1996-

Buisnessman Wafic Said offers 20 million pounds for the development of the Oxford Buisness School .

1999-

Cornmarket street is completely pedestrianized, as part of The Oxford Transport Strategy.