Oxford was founded in the 9th century by Alfred the Great, he created a network of fortified towns called burhs across his kingdom. One of these was Oxford.
The Oxford University was founded in 1167, with much disgust to the townfolk. There was alot of debate about the university with the locals, not liking the students. It wasn't until the students had had enough and fled to Cambridge University that the townfolk realised where all there custom came from and invited back the students.
In the 16th century Oxford was economically dependent on the university. The students provided a large market for beer, food, clothes and other goods. oxford was full of craftsmen who supplied these needs.
For those of you who are pressed for time but want to learn more about the city, a visit to the Oxford Story Exhibition is recommended, it will give you a wonderful overview of Oxford's history, as you travel through the ages in a carriage designed as an old college desk. For those with a more leisurely schedule, the choice of museums is vast, the most celebrated being Ashmolean.
Missing some information? Got it wrong? Let us know.
