Although Oxford is famous worldwide for its university, that institution is only one facet of an urban centre which originated long before the University. Oxford emerged as a religious centre in the early Middle Ages, and a burh (fortress) was added in the 9th century. Later still, Oxford became a county centre with a significant royal presence (including a castle from 1071), and a textile industry became established. The University developed in the 12th century, and has remained important within the town’s economy, though with a changing relationship to the town (ranked as a city from 1542).
In the late 14th and 15th centuries, Oxford declined in wealth and population in relation to other major centres. Although some recovery occurred in the late 16th and 17th centuries, it was left behind, relatively speaking, from the late 18th century by the expansion of towns and cities at the forefront of the industrial revolution. This changed when Oxford itself became a major industrial centre through the development of car manufacturing in the 1920s–30s – part of the ‘second industrial revolution’.
Further significant change occurred again with the contraction of employment in car manufacturing from the 1970s. As de-industrialisation has affected Oxford, the city has had to develop a new economic identity and future based on service and ‘knowledge’ industries.
This day school, presented by a team of urban historians, will explore the content and course of Oxford’s changing economy. It seeks to present inhabitants of the city, and others interested in Oxford’s history, with an overview and analysis of central features of Oxford’s history.
It has been organised in association with the Oxford Historical Society, a trust founded in 1884 (now also a registered charity) which has published about 150 volumes of historical documents and studies related to Oxford’s history.
This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 20 November 2024.