This blog will explore the stories of objects and themes in the collection, give you behind-the-scenes insights into what staff and volunteers get up to, and delve into the lesser-known parts of the city’s history.
Workhouse Paupers in Oxford
🕑 7 min read What was the difference between being poor and a pauper in 19th century Oxford?
‘I see Mr Nixon has flow’n!’: the fleeing mayor of Oxford
🕑 4 min read What can these portraits tell us about the thrice mayor, John Nixon?
Stories from Oxford’s workhouses
🕑 4 min read "A vast and terrifying building": a fictional account of entering a workhouse
Cycling in the city of spires
🕑 5 min read Why is Oxford obsessed with bicycles?
Sex, drugs, and floral prints
🕑 5 min read Annabelinda: from humble beginnings to the holy grail of fashion
Why is there a beaver on the coat of arms?
🕑 5 min read And while we're at it, why is there an elephant?!