• Carfax Tower - Begin the tour with an overview of the historic divide between the town of Oxford and the university.
• University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - Discuss the controversies surrounding the statue of Cecil Rhodes
• All Souls College - Learn about the connections between All Soul’s College and money from slave plantations.
• Weston Library - Hear the story of Christian Cole, Oxford’s first black scholar.
• Sheldonian Theatre - Learn about the struggle for women to join as full members of the University.
• Balliol College - Take a look at historic Balliol College, one of the colleges with extensive direct ties to the former British Empire and a tradition of educating Prime Ministers - including Boris Johnson.
• Faculty of History, University of Oxford - Sit in the gardens of the Faculty of History in the shadow of the old city wall and learn about Merze Tate, Oxford’s first Black female scholar.
• Westgate Oxford - Finish at the Tirah Memorial across from the Westgate Centre to reflect on memories of empire and memorialisation.

• Uncomfortable Oxford™ trained guide

Explore the stunning landmarks, colleges, and statues of Oxford while gaining a fresh perspective beyond the traditional “dreaming spires.” This exceptional walking tour, organized by Uncomfortable Oxford, delves into the politics of history and memory within the city and university.

The tour addresses the histories of empire, inequality, and discrimination based on race, class, and gender, emphasizing the lasting influence these legacies have on contemporary life.

The tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

The walking distance is under two miles, but please note that cobblestones and uneven pavements may limit the event’s accessibility.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.