The Siege of Oxford

Oxford Castle & Prison, 21-22 June

Travel back to the year 1646, a time when Oxford was caught in the heart of the English Civil War! The city is under siege, will you join the Royalists or the Parliamentarians?

Join The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote for an action-packed reenactment day of living history at Oxford Castle & Prison. Explore the 17th-century encampment in the Castleyard and discover what life was really like during the Siege of Oxford — from the battlefield to behind-the-scenes spying!

🎭 Become a trained soldier or a spy
💂‍♂️ See and learn more about civil war arms like the pike and musket
🥁 Hear the thunder of drums of wat and see the colours fly
🏹 Choose your side and find out who will be victorious!

Soldiers and civilians will be there to share stories, show you the gear they used, and answer your questions about this turbulent time in Oxford’s history.

Book your tickets here >>

Are you a Royalist soldier?
Join the recruitment and defend Oxford! (£10 per ticket)
You’ll learn the skills to become a pikeman or a musketeer in the King’s army. Handle a real musket and see it fired up close, and be put through your paces by the drill sergeant!
Times available: 10:45, 14:15

Or are you a Parliamentarian spy?
Learn spy craft and become a Parliamentarian spy during the siege of Oxford. (£10 per ticket)
You will discover cypher codes from the civil wars, learn about invisible ink and how to write your own secret messages. Will you be able to smuggle information out to the Parliamentarian besiegers?
Times available: 12:30, 16:00

Be upstanding for the drill!
Experience the thrill and excitement of regimental musket volleys, pike drill, with drums first-hand and learn of the Siege of Oxford. (£ Free)
Times running: 11:30, 15:00