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More about the tours

1 Where's the university?

2 Town and gown wars

Join me on an exciting tour designed for those eager to explore the fascinating history of the university and college system in Oxford! Perfect for anyone with no knowledge or only a basic understanding of Oxford University, it answers the question often asked, 'Where's the university?'

Join me for a tour that dives into the fascinating history of the centuries-old conflict between the townspeople and the university in Oxford! Discover how this epic rivalry has evolved over time and explore whether it still holds true today. Be prepared to be shocked by some of the facts!

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3 Pioneers and mavericks

The impetus for change in both Oxford and its university has often come from the town’s men and women and student outsiders. Their inspiring vision has transformed not just the university, but the entire community and beyond! Join me on this tour to discover the remarkable individuals who have pushed for these changes and the incredible achievements they have made.

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5 Girl power

The history of Oxford has been one tarnished by the domination of men and subjugation of women, but over the centuries women have fought back and showed resilience and enterprise to make their mark on Oxford and the wider world. Join me to find out who these inspirational women were, the obstacles they had to overcome, and why they need to be celebrated.

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4 A tale of two colleges

Oxford University has no central campus but is a federation of 43 colleges, which give students their identity and much of their student life and experience. Join me to find out how this unique system evolved and how these colleges can vary enormously in their histories, foundations and culture. On the tour we will be visiting two very different colleges - New College and Mansfield College.

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6 Visionaries and egos

While Oxford University once had a reputation for conservatism, visionary and passionate individuals and groups have boldly reshaped its landscape and led to the creation of buildings, departments, and  colleges, challenging the norms of the day. Today we’ll celebrate the remarkable institutions they established, which have contributed to making Oxford the prestigious university it is known for today! Join me to discover the story behind these places.

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If you are interested in doing one of my tours, please get in touch.

© 2026 History In a Hat

Photographs: Jan Jarosz and David Pearson

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