Oxford Prison - Oxon
Posted by: 
Norfolk12
N 51° 45.126 W 001° 15.774
30U E 619906 N 5734894
Now a up market complex with Luxury Hotel, bars,restaurants and shops.There is still a small Museum on site.and various events are taking place throughout the year.
Waymark Code: WMDGJZ
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/13/2012
Views: 9
''The Castle has served time as a Royal Castle, from which the City and upper reaches of the Thames Valley were administered, as a centre of justice, and for several hundred years – a Gaol – hidden from the public view behind impenetrable 5 metre high stone walls.
This remarkable place has now become Oxford’s Oldest New Quarter. The historic buildings have been restored and appropriate architectural additions have been made. A truly urban environment has emerged, with new and easy public access on all sides to reveal a host of exciting surprises.
Apart from the abiding Heritage of the site, it offers many other facilities. Accommodation is provided in 40 unique apartments and, for the shorter term guests, Malmaison Hotel is crafted within the prison walls – a charismatic place to stay with the famed Malmaison-style interpreted in unique buildings.
Beside the restaurant and bars in the hotel, other new places to wine and dine have been opened – each with seating both inside and in the open air.
O3 Gallery provides a showcase for local and regional artists with regular, changing exhibitions and the performing arts are in evidence with open-air events taking place across the year.
The visitor attraction, Oxford Castle – Unlocked, brings the site’s history to life, opening a whole new perspective on Oxford. Visitors can climb the Norman Castle Mound and enjoy panoramic views from the top of St. George’s Tower, while centuries of prison life are revealed within the 18th century buildings, taking the story across 1000 years, right up to living memory. The very heart of the City offers the best in hotel hospitality, unique shopping, great restaurants and bars, visitor interpretation, visual and performing arts and 1000 years of Heritage.''
details taken from there website
see link:
(
visit link)
When we visited the Annual Christmas market was on with a variety of stalls selling lots of lovely items, From Mulled Wine and Mince pies to hand knitted tops and hats.The restaurants offer a choise of food from pizza's to a full 3 course dinner.
The oxford Heritage Trust have placed silver plaques around the buildings giving info of the area as it was.