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Gown and Town Row, at Oxford, 1845. Creator: Unknown
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Gown and Town Row, at Oxford, 1845. Creator: Unknown
Gown and Town Row, at Oxford, 1845. Locals and university students fighting. On Wednesday evening (Nov. 5) a scene of much tumult occurred in the usually quiet streets of Oxford, occasioned by the getting up of a " Gown and Town Row." In olden times great animosity existed between the " Gown" and " Town" and serious frays often occurred, weapons were used, and historians relate that lives were often sacrificed in these frays. There is a tradition that in Brewer s-lane...the gutters ran with blood...The rabble of the " Town, " and the " Gown, "...continue their " rows, " more particularly on the 5th of November, when the " Gown" parade the streets in ranks, and, being met by the " Town, " fireworks are thrown about, fighting commences, and a regular melee ensues. However, nothing serious happens, but a few bruises, loss of caps, &c. From " Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII
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Media ID 20551797
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Academic Academics Fight Oxford Oxford Oxfordshire England Oxford University Oxfordshire Student Students University Illustrated London News
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Gown and Town Row, at Oxford, 1845" takes us back to a time of intense rivalry and occasional violence between the locals and university students in the historic city of Oxford. The image captures a chaotic scene that unfolded on Wednesday evening, November 5th, when the streets were usually peaceful. Known as a "Gown and Town Row" this event was notorious for its animosity between the two factions. In earlier times, these clashes often resulted in serious altercations where weapons were employed and lives were tragically lost. It is said that Brewer's Lane witnessed such brutality that its gutters ran with blood. However, by 1845 when this photograph was taken, these confrontations had evolved into more controlled skirmishes. On this particular occasion, members of the university donned their academic gowns and paraded through the streets while being met by residents from town who retaliated with fireworks. As expected during such encounters, fights broke out resulting in minor injuries like bruises or loss of caps. The significance of November 5th lies in its association with Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night – an annual commemoration marking the failed Gunpowder Plot against King James I in 1605. This tradition added fuel to an already tense atmosphere during Gown and Town Rows. Preserved within this intriguing print from Heritage Images is a glimpse into an era when deep-seated rivalries played out dramatically on Oxford's cobblestone streets – reminding us how far we have come since those tumultuous times.
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