“Let’s start with this big hill. It’s called a mound, and it was made by people almost 1,000 years ago—by hand! They dug earth from the ground and piled it into a high hill. That’s hard work. This hill is part of the first castle built here by a group called the Normans.

The Normans came from France and invaded England in the year 1066. They built castles like this to show their power and control the land. On top of the mound, there used to be a wooden tower. From there, soldiers could see if enemies were coming.

This mound was also used during a famous story from the 1100s. A woman named Empress Matilda was trapped in the castle during a civil war. One night, it snowed. She wore a white cloak and escaped down this hill without anyone seeing her.

Today, we can climb the stairs to the top. It’s a great view, and it helps you imagine what life was like nearly 1,000 years ago.”

Fun facts:

• The mound is over 900 years old.

• It may hide secret tunnels underneath.

• People once believed it was haunted at night.

Student Prompt:
“Why do you think soldiers wanted to be high up? What could they see from the tower?”

“This strong tower is called St George’s Tower. It’s probably the oldest building in Oxford—maybe even older than the castle itself! It was built before the year 1071 and was originally part of a church.

Later, the tower became part of the castle. It helped protect the west gate of the city. Inside are 101 stone steps going to the top. Soldiers used the stairs to reach the highest point, where they could watch over the land.

The walls are very thick, and the windows are small. This helped protect people inside if there was a battle. Some say this tower was even used to keep prisoners—though we’re not sure.

Today, visitors can climb the stairs and see amazing views over Oxford. You’ll feel like a lookout from long ago.”

Fun facts:

• The tower may be over 1,000 years old.

• It has a bell that once rang to call people to prayer.

• People sometimes leave coins at the top for good luck!

Student Prompt:
“Would you want to live at the top of this tower? Why or why not?”

“Now we are standing inside part of the old Oxford Prison. It closed in 1996—just a few years before many of you were born! For hundreds of years, this building held people who broke the law—or couldn’t pay money they owed.

This part is called the Debtors’ Tower. In the past, if someone couldn’t pay rent, taxes, or even small bills, they were sent to prison. They didn’t hurt anyone, but still had to stay here. Some stayed for years.

The other section is D-Wing, where criminals were kept in small cells. You can see one of the original prison beds and heavy doors. The prison was cold, dark, and lonely.

But it wasn’t all bad—some prisoners taught each other to read and write. One even ran a little school inside his cell!”

Fun facts:

• A man once escaped by dressing as a woman!

• One prisoner paid his fine using strawberry jam.

• Some cells had rats—but also library books!
  
  

Student Prompt:
“Do you think it’s fair to go to prison for not paying money? Why or why not?”

“This is the oldest and darkest part of Oxford Castle. We are now under the ground, in a room called the crypt. It was part of a church from long ago.

People came here to pray, light candles, and have quiet time. It was also used as a place for monks—religious men who lived a simple life.

There are thick stone columns, a small round window, and it stays cool all year. Many people believe this room is haunted, and ghost tours are often held here at night.

It’s also a special place because education in Oxford may have started right here. Long before Oxford University existed, people may have come here to read, write, and study.”

Fun facts:

• This crypt is nearly 1,000 years old.

• Some visitors say they hear whispers when it’s quiet.

• It was used as a secret meeting place in the past.
  
  

Student Prompt:
“Would you feel scared or calm in this room? Why?”

“This is the Castle Courtyard, the open area where people walked, worked, and talked. In the past, this area was always busy—with prisoners, guards, horses, and carriages.

It was also used as a place for public trials and punishments. Crowds came to watch people being punished for crimes. Luckily, that doesn’t happen anymore!

Today, the courtyard is quiet and peaceful. It’s used for performances, like plays or music. In summer, actors perform Shakespeare plays right here.

We’re now at the end of our tour. This is a great place to take a group photo or ask questions.”

Fun facts:

• This space once held hundreds of prisoners at once.
  
  

• The walls still have marks from where old buildings stood.
  
  

• A few films and TV shows have been shot here.
  
  

Student Prompt:
“If you could act in a play here, what story would you perform?”