Looking back at Oxford

‘Looking back at Oxford’ combines a unique cine film of the city, old photos, and stories from the archives of the Oxford Times and the Oxford Mail to paint a fascinating picture of life in bygone Oxford.

The DVD recalls important occasions from the city’s past, including the opening of the Oxford Canal, the coming of the railway, the first Oxford/Cambridge boat race, the demolition of Carfax Church, the impact of two world wars, and the last hanging at Oxford Prison.

Among the many aspects of life in old Oxford explored in the DVD are the conditions in the city’s Victorian slums, the 19th century city centre riots, and the story of the infamous Cutteslowe Walls.

Finally the DVD looks into some of the ancient traditions that are kept alive in modern Oxford; St Giles Fair and the historic market, the Magalen Tower May Day ceremony, and the age-old custom of Beating the Bounds.

This engaging journey through time is produced exclusively for the Oxford Mail and is narrated by award winning actor Howard Ellison.

Running time is approx 45 mins.