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In the 17th century,
Oxford played an important role in Britain’s civil war between those
who supported Parliament and those who supported the King.
Read the text
then try and answer the questions which follow.
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By August 1642, it
had become clear that the disagreements between the two were so severe
that they would only be resolved by fighting. The king, Charles I, returning
from the north, raised his standard at Nottingham, and moved towards London.
After a first, somewhat inconclusive battle, he was able to continue on
his way south.. But the capital sympathised with Parliament, and his way
was barred. So in November the King turned towards Oxford, to make that
his headquarters.
 His
plan was to bring together his own army with two others loyal to him,
one in the west and one in the north, and overwhelm London by force. But
the three armies were too far apart, and it proved difficult - and in
the end, impossible - to achieve his objective. The war dragged on, therefore,
and the king was forced to spend much more time based at Oxford than he
originally intended.
The city took on a
much more military character. New College became the main magazine, for
example; and cattle to feed the army were kept in the great quadrangle
of Christ Church (the college which became the King’s residence). So many
soldiers in the streets led to so much brawling that the sale of alcohol
was forbidden after nine in the evening. Oxford scarcely functioned as
a university at all.
The war continued
for over three years, with the King’s side gradually losing ground all
over the country. Eventually the advancing Parliamentary armies began
to close in on Oxford from all directions; but before the net was completely
tight, the King - in disguise - slipped out.
The city was fortunate
in that it escaped a siege. It was clear that the King’s loyal troops
could not defeat the forces ranged against them, and so a surrender, with
no loss of life and little loss of honour, was negotiated. In June 1646
the last members of the King’s court left Oxford.
Comprehension check
Look at the statements
below and decide whether they are right (True) or wrong (False). Select
your answer then check how well you did using the Score button.
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