Oxford Castle Mound is no longer accessible to the public due to the recent erection of fencing around its base, in order to restrict access during the redevelopment of the castle and prison site.
Is this purely on the grounds of health and safety whilst archaeological and building work is carried out, or once the new complex of a hotel, restaurants and leisure facilities is completed, will public access to the mound be permanently restricted?
In a series of emailed questions to Richard Dudding, Director for Environment & Economy at Oxfordshire County Council, I attempted to ascertain whether the fencing was temporary or permanent, and whether, after the redevelopment of the site is complete, the public will have access to the top of the mound. I am yet to receive a reply, so if anyone else wants to try, his contact details are below.
The Oxfordshire County Council website states that, "The whole site and many of the buildings will be open to the public." But does "the whole site" include the mound? I also asked about whether the redevelopment includes provision for better access to what is an important historical and cultural landmark in the heart of Oxford.
The mound was used as a symbolic landmark in two recent local actions – the day of protest against war in Iraq in October 2002 and a similar protest by Oxford school students in March 2003.
Since the fencing was erected, a viewing platform has been installed on the north east side of the mound (access from a gate in New Road) This allows members of the public to see the archaeological dig which is continuing following the discovery of skeletons on the site, although after several viewing visits, I am yet to see much evidence of much happening.
Contact details for Richard Dudding - Director for Environment & Economy
Tel: 01865 815827 Fax: 01865 815085
e-mail:
richard.dudding@oxfordshire.gov.uk
In a series of emailed questions to Richard Dudding, Director for Environment & Economy at Oxfordshire County Council, I attempted to ascertain whether the fencing was temporary or permanent, and whether, after the redevelopment of the site is complete, the public will have access to the top of the mound. I am yet to receive a reply, so if anyone else wants to try, his contact details are below.
The Oxfordshire County Council website states that, "The whole site and many of the buildings will be open to the public." But does "the whole site" include the mound? I also asked about whether the redevelopment includes provision for better access to what is an important historical and cultural landmark in the heart of Oxford.
The mound was used as a symbolic landmark in two recent local actions – the day of protest against war in Iraq in October 2002 and a similar protest by Oxford school students in March 2003.
Since the fencing was erected, a viewing platform has been installed on the north east side of the mound (access from a gate in New Road) This allows members of the public to see the archaeological dig which is continuing following the discovery of skeletons on the site, although after several viewing visits, I am yet to see much evidence of much happening.
Contact details for Richard Dudding - Director for Environment & Economy
Tel: 01865 815827 Fax: 01865 815085
e-mail:
richard.dudding@oxfordshire.gov.uk
e-mail:
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Mound
15.07.2003 00:11
So if the public have always treated the mound as open, and the mound has not suffered any major 'damage', is it not reasonable to assume that the mound would continue to survive without being fenced off?
Tom
e-mail:
tom@awesome.uk.com
Wider issues
23.07.2003 16:18
I think if people want to go up the mound (which they obviously did, but without the hassle of booking an appointment) the council should manage it properly and perhaps allow access whilst minimising damage, rather than simply restricting access completely.
In a wider context, I wanted to express my concern that the redevelopment of this quarter of the city risks being dominated by private development, with little regard for public amenity. The fencing around the mound seemed to be a step in this direction.
Ian Hodgson
e-mail:
ianhodgson_@hotmail.com
castle mound
28.07.2003 21:53
claire
Keep pushing the issue Ian
04.08.2003 18:40
Alastair
e-mail:
alastairmcgowan@btopenworld.com