Gown and Town row at Oxford
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Gown and Town row at Oxford
Gown and Town row at Oxford, 1845, where a punch up between students and a group of non-university locals is taking place in the street.
1845
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Media ID 14410184
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1840s 1845 Brawl Brawling Conflict Fight Gown Jan17 Locals Oxford Punch Students University Versus Violence Violent
EDITORS COMMENTS
Gown and Town Row at Oxford, 1845: A Violent Confrontation Between Students and Local Residents This evocative image, captured by the Illustrated London News in 1845, depicts a chaotic scene of conflict and violence on the streets of Oxford. Known as the "Gown and Town Row," this altercation pitted students of the prestigious University of Oxford against a group of local residents, or "townspeople." The tensions between the two groups had been simmering for some time, with students often mocking the townspeople and townspeople resenting the perceived arrogance and privilege of the students. However, on this particular day, the situation reached a boiling point. The photograph captures the moment of confrontation, with students in their academic gowns engaging in a physical brawl with the townspeople in the street. The scene is one of chaos and violence, with men grappling with each other, fists flying, and bystanders trying to intervene or simply get out of the way. Despite the best efforts of the authorities to maintain order, these types of confrontations were not uncommon in Oxford during this period. The University and the town had a complex relationship, with tensions often running high between the two groups. However, this particular incident was particularly violent and drew widespread attention, both locally and nationally. The image serves as a reminder of the complex social dynamics of 19th century university towns and the tensions that could arise between students and local residents. It also highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of such conflicts and the underlying causes of the violence that erupted on the streets of Oxford in 1845.
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