Shakespeare in Oxford
Oxford may be best known for its dreaming spires and scholarly traditions, but it also holds some fascinating connections to one of the greatest writers in the English language: William Shakespeare. While Stratford-upon-Avon and London dominate much of Shakespeare’s story, Oxford made a convenient stopping point between the two cities. It’s no surprise, then, that the Bard himself stayed here—and left a little history behind.
Tucked away in the centre of Oxford on Cornmarket Street is The Painted Room, a hidden gem and all that remains of the old Crown Tavern, where Shakespeare is said to have stayed during his visits. The tavern was one of only three in Oxford licensed to serve wine—surely an attractive draw! Inside, you'll find a series of beautiful 16th-century wall paintings, dating from around 1580, when it was fashionable to decorate in this way. By 1600, changing tastes led to the paintings being covered with wooden panelling, only to be rediscovered during renovations in 1927.
The tavern’s innkeeper, John Davenant, was a friend of Shakespeare’s, and the Bard even became godfather to Davenant’s second son, William. Rumour had it that Shakespeare may have had an affair with John’s wife, Jane, and might even have fathered young William. True or not, the younger William Davenant went on to become a poet and dramatist himself—so perhaps he didn’t mind the gossip!
The actual font used in the christening still exists and can be seen in St Michael at the Northgate Church, just a little further down Cornmarket Street. This charming church dates back to the 11th century and is home to the oldest stained glass in Oxford.
Nearby, on Broad Street, you’ll find the site where the Oxford Martyrs were burned at the stake in 1555. Before their execution, they were held in the Bocardo Prison, which stood next to St Michael’s. The cell door they would have passed through is still on display in the church’s tower.
The Martyrs—Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester; Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London; and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury—are remembered on the Martyrs' Memorial, just a short walk away. Cranmer even makes an appearance in Shakespeare’s final history play, Henry VIII.
Thankfully, the days of public executions are long gone, but you can still enjoy Shakespeare in Oxford today. Many colleges stage open-air performances in their beautiful gardens during the summer—well worth catching on a sunny afternoon.
And even if you don’t see a play, you’re still connected to Shakespeare every time you speak. He’s credited with introducing over 1,700 words into the English language—many of which we still use today.
“Addiction” was coined in Othello, “zany” comes from Love’s Labour’s Lost, “gossip” appears in A Comedy of Errors, and “rant” makes its debut in Hamlet.
Oxford University's famous Bodleian Library has many of Shakespeare's works, including an original copy of the First Folio of William Shakespeare’s plays.
