Martyrs, Reformers and Religious Radicals

Exeter College

Discover the history of religions in Oxford

At different times Jewish people, Lollards, Quakers, Baptists and Catholics have faced authorities who condemned their beliefs and attacked their meetings.  Colleges, libraries, memorials and churches tell  their stories. 

In the Middle Ages pilgrims visited the shrine of St Frideswide and religion was at the centre of the teaching in the university, the Gothic revival of the 19th century set seed here and Cardinal Newman and the Oxford Movement transformed church architecture  in Oxford and beyond.

Our off the shelf tour about Oxford’s religious history, Martyrs, Reformers and Religious Radicals will introduce you to saints and scholars, martyrs and reformers including Clive Staples Lewis, St Frideswide, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and John Wycliff.

In the 15th century the Divinity School was the University’s first purpose built teaching room is just one of the marvels that you will see on the Martyrs, Reformers and Religious Radicals tour. Here is the link to book it now

We can tailor the religious history tours to delve more specifically into your particular area of interest.

This month I have crafted a visit especially for a Methodist society. 

John Wesley, student at Christ Church, founded the Methodist church. It could be argued that the ethics of Methodism were a vital  foundation for liberal reforms of the following centuries. He was not afraid of upsetting people. Illustrated is Oxford’s University prison where he disturbed the city while feeding and caring for prisoners.

It’s been an enlightening journey following John Wesley’s trail around Oxford. Another example of an Oxford  man who started-out trading in unpopularity, who became a national hero and honoured by his colleges.

If you would like a history of religion tour tailored for you send an enquiry with your time and date to Sophie