Oxford's history goes back to Saxon times when St Frideswide's nunnery was founded in the 8th century. St. Frideswide is the patron saint of the city and of the university. The first colleges: University College, Balliol College and Merton College were established in the 13th century, at a time when the church was seeking to reconcile Greek philosophy and Christian theology. February 10, 1355 was a dark day in Oxford's history: the date of the St. Scholastica riot, a dispute between townspeople and students that started over beer and ended up as an armed clash in which 63 scholars and some 30 townspeople were killed.

Charles I set up his court at Oxford at the onset of the English Civil War in 1642. He escaped from the besieged city in 1646. The Oxford Canal, an important trade artery, was built in 1790. It links Oxford and Coventry, and is connected to the Thames at Oxford. Punting there is a popular pastime. Railways linked Oxford with London in the 1840s. In the 19th century, the town also drew attention because of the theological Oxford Movement, initiated mainly by members of the University of Oxford.

In the 20th Century, Oxford experienced rapid industrial growth. It began with printing and publishing, but from the establishment of the Morris Motor Company in Cowley, carmaking became the leading branch. Today the plants produce the popular BMW Mini.

The University of Oxford comprises 39 colleges. Its alumni are known as Oxonians. They include four British and eight foreign kings, 47 Nobel prize winners, 25 British prime ministers as well as 28 foreign presidents and prime ministers, a host of archbishops and cardinals, and one pope. Oxford has also been home to many famous authors such as Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), Iris Murdoch, and J. R. R. Tolkien.]

Oxford has many tourist attractions and a lively quarter of restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs in Headington and around Cowley Road.