Bastion 16

Gazing upon Bastion 16, can you sense the echoes of Oxford’s past? This unassuming structure, part of Oxford’s city wall, whispers tales of sieges, scholars, and centuries of history. Bastion 16 stands as a testament to the city’s enduring strength, a silent sentinel watching over the ever-changing cityscape. The first city wall, likely built in the 9th or 10th century, was a defense against Danish invaders. Bastion 16, however, dates from a later period. Between 1226 and 1240, the walls underwent a significant reconstruction. The king himself contributed resources, providing firewood for lime kilns and timber for the bastions and turrets. This rebuilding gave us the stone structure we see today in Bastion 16. The bastion is built of local rubble with ashlar dressings. This, along with its hollow construction, open on the inner face, is typical of the 13th-century work. The wall near Bastion 16, between Smith Gate and East Gate, had a unique feature: a double wall. This outer wall rose directly from the town ditch. Its bastions mirrored those of the inner wall, creating a formidable barrier. This double wall likely dates back to the late 13th century. Bastion 16’s parapet has seen changes in level and crenel spacing, possibly evidence of later modifications and repairs. The city wall and its bastions weren’t just defensive structures. They were also integrated into the city’s life. From the late 14th century, portions of the wall, including bastions, were leased out to citizens. They used these spaces for storage, chapels, and even living quarters. So, as you stand before Bastion 16, remember that you’re not just looking at stones and mortar. You’re looking at a living piece of history. A structure that has witnessed the ebb and flow of Oxford life for centuries. A reminder that even within the bustling heart of a modern city, the past can still whisper its secrets to those who listen closely.