Westgate Oxford Steps Back in Time with Archaeology Trail

Westgate Oxford has launched a brand new interactive archaeological trail to the public, showcasing artefacts uncovered during the excavation of the site.

The trail comprises nine key locations around the centre, both in and outside Westgate Oxford. Each details an item of national historic significance uncovered during the 2015/16 archaeological excavation, including:

Clothing items, accessories, kitchen utensils and more.

Locals and tourists alike can interact with the trail via QR code or by visiting the Westgate Oxford website from their smartphone https://westgateoxford.co.uk/art-archaeology . There are also printed maps available from The Guest Experience Pod located outside Goldsmith’s on the Upper Ground Floor.

The trail also signposts history buffs to other locations of importance within the city including the Weston Library, the Bates Collection at St Aldates Church, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford’s Castle Quarter, and more.

Brendan Hattam, General Manager at Westgate Oxford said: “We’re so excited to see the opening of our archaeological trail. It’s the culmination of many years’ work, starting with the ground-breaking in 2015. We never could’ve imagined so many treasures would be unearthed from beneath our feet.

“We’ve found medieval handbags and shoes, and now our shopping centre sits on the same site - it’s incredible to think about what existed here before.

“The trail will be an incredible educational resource for both Oxford locals and visitors alike, and its interactive nature appeals to all ages. We’re very proud to be a part of the rich history of Oxford.”

The Westgate Oxford archaeology trail opens on 8 April 2019. Visitors can take part by requesting a map from our Guest Experience Pod and scanning the QR Codes on our totems in the centre. Each budding young historian will get a prize on completion of the trail.