Congratulations to the new Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Dr Louise Upton.
The Oxford Guild of Tour Guides was delighted to welcome our city patron recently at a special reception in the Mayor's Parlour.
It was a joyful occasion, with one of our members, Jess Worth, offering a fascinating overview of the mayoral role in Oxford — a tradition going back over 800 years. From medieval power struggles to modern civic service, the position of Lord Mayor has a rich and sometimes turbulent history.
We were reminded of Philip the Miller, who served as mayor in 1209 and found himself at the centre of Oxford’s first major town and gown clash — the infamous incident where several clerks were hanged, prompting a mass exodus of scholars to Cambridge. Philip’s penance? He had to go to his grave “barefoot and unbelted, without a cap or cloak.”
Thankfully, Jess reassured Dr Upton that mayors today no longer have to fear arrow attacks or smashed windows — these stories are now simply the stuff of history!
The office has evolved significantly. The first female mayor, Lilly Tawney, took office in 1933 and was formally addressed as Mistress Mayor. Later, Olive Gibbs, a trailblazing politician and social reformer, served as mayor twice (in 1974 and 1981). She played a vital role in the demolition of the infamous Cutteslowe Wall, a stark physical and symbolic divide between rich and poor communities in North Oxford.
We’re proud to celebrate the continuity and progress of this important civic tradition. Dr Upton brings passion, experience, and deep local knowledge to her role, and we wish her every success in the year ahead!
