Oxford Medical History and Health Tour

Beginning in the medieval heart of Oxford, we walk participants through the history of health and medical research in the city. Both uncomfortable and fascinating, this tour asks questions about the lasting impact of disease and the way in which imperialism, conflict, and inequality have helped shape the development of modern medicine.
Our tours are designed to be critically engaging activities that create discussion amongst participants and challenge them to analyse the diverse impacts of historical events. Using the built environment, we examine health geographies, resistance to public health policies, and the tensions inherent in medical progress.

The tour lasts for 1h45m.

ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, but please note some mild uneven pavement in the city centre. Distance walked is less than 2km.

Meeting Point

Bridge of Sighs

New College Ln, Oxford OX1 3BL, UK

Meet under the 'Bridge of Sighs' (Hertford Bridge) on New College Lane. The guide will be carrying a blue & white Uncomfortable Oxford tote bag.

What's included:

• Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Bridge of Sighs

New College Ln., Oxford, OX1 3BL

The tour begins under the fmaous Bridge of Sighs, providing an overview of medieval geography and how it impacted disease in the city.

10 minutes

New College

Holywell Street, , Oxford, OX1 3BN

The first stop is outside medieval New College, for a discussion of plague and historical epidemics.

10 minutes

Bodleian Library

Broad Street, , Oxford, OX1 3BG

Enter the heart of the old libraries to learn about anatomical dissections and the early study of medicine in the University.

15 minutes

Clarendon Building

Broad St., Oxford, OX1 3BA

The current office of the Vice Chancellor provides an interesting setting to learning about the history of prostitution and public health.

10 minutes

King's Arms, Oxford

40 Holywell St, Oxford OX1 3SP, UK

Did you know that pubs served as the original place for inoculation in the city?

15 minutes

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW

Outside the Museum of Natural Hisotry you will learn about how science and medicine transformed in the 18th century through imperialism.

15 minutes

War Memorial Garden

St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP

At the St. Giles' Memorial Garden, participants will reflect on the major developments in medical practice that stemmed from First and Second World Wars.

15 minutes

St Luke's Chapel

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK

The tour finishes outside the former city hospital for a discussion on the early trials of penicillin in the city, and the founding of the NHS.

15 minutes