The Dark History of Oxford: A Medieval City of Crime
Written on
Chapter 1: A City with a Sinister Reputation
Historical research has revealed that Oxford, during the medieval era, was notorious for a surprisingly high murder rate, particularly among its students and clerics. Recent findings from English scholars indicate that students were often behind many violent acts.
The origins of Oxford trace back to the 9th century, named after a nearby fortress situated along the Thames. This settlement thrived at the junction of Mercia and Wessex, two kingdoms that existed during the heptarchy. Its strategic positioning provided vital defensive advantages.
The city is most renowned for its university, which ranks among the oldest in Europe. While the exact founding date remains uncertain, evidence suggests that educational activities were occurring as early as 1096, with the monastery of St. George recognized as the first educational institution. However, the university is officially considered to have begun in 1167 when King Henry II barred English students from studying at the University of Paris, prompting them to return to Oxford. This led to the city's evolution into a prominent university town.
Student life, even in medieval times, often embraced a culture of freedom and independence. Young men, who left their homes to pursue education, frequently engaged in excessive drinking, revelry, and visits to brothels, leading to various degrees of trouble.
Section 1.1: The Most Notorious Social Class
Recent studies have focused on the alarming rates of homicide in medieval England. The "Medieval Murder Maps," an initiative from the University of Cambridge, illustrates the locations of murders in cities like London, York, and Oxford based on 14th-century coroner reports. During this period, Oxford had a population of around 7,000, with approximately 1,500 students.
Researchers have found that the murder rate in Oxford was 4 to 5 times greater than that of London or York. Among the identified offenders, 75% were labeled as “clericus,” a term predominantly referring to students, many of whom were clergy. Notably, 72% of murder victims in Oxford were also clerics. Professor Manuel Eisner, the lead researcher on the murder maps project, stated that the conditions in this medieval university town were particularly lethal, with students being the most violent demographic.
Section 1.2: Temptations and Violence
In medieval Oxford, all students were male, aged between fourteen and twenty-one. Freed from parental or community constraints, these young men were exposed to an environment rife with vice, including alcohol and prostitution. Their lack of guidance often led to conflicts, sometimes stemming from trivial provocations.
Professor Eisner explains that many students were affiliated with regional groups known as ‘nations,’ which contributed to rivalries within the academic community. Analyzing historical murder cases reveals that violence frequently erupted over minor disputes, where swords and daggers were drawn without regard for consequences. A brief imprisonment was often viewed as a reasonable price to pay for defending one’s honor.
“Knives were commonplace in medieval society,” noted Dr. Stephanie Brown, co-author of the murder map project. “In London, around 12% of murders involved a sword.” While many offenders faced punishment for their crimes, some evaded justice. For instance, in 1299, a prostitute named Margery de Hereford was murdered following a dispute over payment, highlighting the grim realities of Oxford's streets.
Chapter 2: Bloodshed in Sacred Spaces
In the video titled "Crime and Punishment Recap Ep.2 - Medieval Crime and Criminals," viewers can gain insights into the violent history of medieval criminal activities, particularly in Oxford.
The investigation reveals that murders were not confined to dark alleys but also occurred within churches and other sanctuaries. Students showed little hesitation in wielding weapons during broad daylight. In one notorious incident in the spring of 1303, a young man named Adam de Sarum was attacked and fatally injured by three Irish students while playing in the street. Scholars have determined that, during the 14th century, Oxford experienced murder rates that were up to 50 times higher than any contemporary English city.
The second video, "Key Terms (c1000-Present) | Crime & Punishment | GCSE History Revision," serves as an educational resource for understanding the historical context of crime and punishment throughout the ages.
The quest for Roman treasures has captivated historians and treasure hunters alike for over fifteen centuries, with many seeking to uncover the mysteries of the past.
Support Content Creation
As content creators on Medium.com, we often receive minimal compensation for our efforts. If you appreciate my articles, consider supporting me through my “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your contributions can significantly impact my ability to create high-quality content. Thank you for your generosity!
