Oxford Hidden Histories and Gendered Narratives

Take a journey back in time to find the diverse narratives often hidden beneath the cobblestones.
Discover the stories of those who are often left out of the city landscape: Women, people of colour, and LQBTQIA individuals.

This guided journey around Oxford will go back in time to highlight the many ways women have historically experienced the urban space and family life, uncover how masculinities have shaped and been shaped by the university, and discuss queer experiences in the city.

Together we will analyse the urban landscape and material culture, discuss gendered geographies, and push back on social expectations.

This tour lasts for about 1.5hrs.

We will walk no more than two miles, but please be aware that cobble stones and uneven pavement may restrict the accessibility of this event.

Meeting Point

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK

Meet inside the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, by the entrance to St. Luke's Chapel. Guide will be carrying a white and blue Uncomfortable Oxford tote bag.

What's included:

• Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

Oxford OX2 6HT, UK

Participants meet at the Old hospital site to discuss how hisotries of certain communities are often difficult to access in the built environment

15 minutes

Somerville College

Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HD

Outside one of Oxford's most famous women's colleges, participants will learn about the difficulties experienced by women when they first attended the university.

10 minutes

St Paul's Nursery

119 Walton St, Oxford OX2 6AD, UK

Outside the first nursery for academics, we will discuss access to childcare and academic barriers.

10 minutes

War Memorial Garden

St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP

The story of Laurence Michael Dillon highlights the history of trans people

10 minutes

Lamb and Flag Passage

Lamb and Flag Passage, Oxford OX1, UK

Travelling into the older areas of the city, the tour will highlight the history of masculinity in both the town and university

15 minutes

Wadham College

17 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

Wadham College serves as the site of a number of representations of women from the early Modern period, both from wealthy and humble backgrounds.

15 minutes

Clarendon Building

Broad St., Oxford, OX1 3BA

At the historic office of the vice-chancellor, learn about the policing of women in the city.

15 minutes