Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Streets of St Ebbes

Once a thriving residential area for a working-class community in the heart of Oxford, the so-called ‘slums’ of St Ebbes were designated for demolition after the Second World War. Today, it is hard to imagine that these buildings and this community ever existed.

This 90-minute circular walking tour will bring the lost buildings, streets and people of St Ebbes to life. On the walk, you will discover the fragments that still remain of a district which once housed thousands, along with the stories of the people who lived, loved, drank, ate worked and shopped there.

Guided by Maurice East, local Oxford resident and historian, you will see the lost streets, alleyways, yards and homes come alive amidst the present-day monoliths of the Westgate shopping centre and Speedwell House.

Join a tour of the Lost Streets of St Ebbes to discover why this community grew, how it thrived, and why it was so brutally destroyed.

As part of the tour, you will see: The Wharf House Pub, one of the last remaining buildings from the historic residential district, Speedwell Street and the plans to modernise Oxford by clearing a ‘slum’, three surviving 17th century cottages – and more historic locations that will be brought to life on this walk.

Maurice East is a local historian who was born and raised in Oxford. He interprets the social history of the city through the lens of growing up as a ‘townie’ and shines a spotlight on stories far off the usual tourist trail. His main area of research is the history of car making at Cowley and how the arrival of industry, cars and blue collar workers changed Oxford forever in the early twentieth century.

Access at the Museum

The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum.

Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access

Host or Publisher Museum of Oxford