Then and Now

At the heart of Oxford City is Oxford Castle, parts of which are nearly a thousand years old. The Castle has served time as a royal residence, a fortress, a center of justice, and for several hundred years – a prison – hidden from the public view behind impenetrable 5-meter high stone walls. A few years ago what remained of the historic buildings were beautifully restored with contemporary architectural additions making it a fun and vibrant part of the community. 

On one of the old stone walls, there is a plaque that marks a part of the old prison.  It is a reminder of the stark contrast between then and now.

Then:   During the Middle Ages in England, men and women who couldn't pay their debts, were locked up in a single, large communal cell until their debt was paid, usually by their families.  Debt prisoners often died of diseases contracted from other debt prisoners. Conditions included starvation and abuse from other prisoners. If the father of a family was imprisoned for debt, the family business often suffered while the mother and children fell into poverty. Unable to pay the debt, the father often remained in debtors' prison for many years.   Frequently, debt prisoners were released to become indentured servants until they paid off their debt in labor.

Now!