Gargoyles and Grotesques: Oxford’s Statues and Carvings
25 October 2026
10:30am-1:45pm
Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
25 October 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£60.00
Discover the origins and decode the hidden meanings of gargoyles and grotesques on this in-person walking tour.
Oxford probably has a more extensive collection of carvings and statues decorating its streets and buildings than any other city of its size. The range is truly remarkable and some date back several centuries.
The medieval tradition of grotesques related to the religious gothic architecture of the time and they were an integral part of the buildings, serving as protection as well as decoration. Lucky in its access to local limestone, Oxford has continued the tradition despite changing fashions in architecture. Today all sorts of things are skilfully carved in stone on its walls, from dragons to the 21st century’s endangered animals, musicians and sporting heroes and even plumbers and princes. There are also some stone codes, understood only by those in the know, which we can decipher along the course of our walk.
All carvings will be visible with the naked eye, but bring binoculars for a closer view.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 21 October 2026.
Book this course
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Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Programme details
10.20am
Registration in front of Ashmolean Museum (Beaumont Street)
10.30am
Begin walking tour around Oxford
12.30am
Return to Rewley House
12.45pm
Lunch
1.45pm
End of day
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event fee (includes 2-course lunch) | £60.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Victoria Bentata Azaz
Victoria Bentata Azaz is a graduate of the University of Oxford (Modern Languages – Russian, LMH) and of Oxford Brookes University (MA in History 2022), writing a dissertation on the Inter Services Topographical Department based at Manchester College in WWII. She is a Green Badge Oxford Guide, a member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and gives tours in French and Spanish. She has also written two books of walks Oxford City Walks and Oxford Hidden Walks
Module code: O26P101HCJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
