This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Oxford’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.

The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.

Historic England: Oxford shows the city as it once was, from its streets and alleys to the buildings of its world-renowned colleges. This ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ still retains much of its medieval character and is still a city of international importance today.