Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Streets of St Ebbes

Once a thriving residential area for a working-class community in the heart of Oxford, the so-called ‘slums’ of St Ebbes were designated for demolition after the Second World War. Today, it is hard to imagine that these buildings and this community ever existed.

This 90-minute circular walking tour will bring the lost buildings, streets and people of St Ebbes to life. On the walk, you will discover the fragments that still remain of a district which once housed thousands, along with the stories of the people who lived, loved, drank, ate worked and shopped there.

Guided by Maurice East, local Oxford resident and historian, you will see the lost streets, alleyways, yards and homes come alive amidst the present-day monoliths of the Westgate shopping centre and Speedwell House.

Join a tour of the Lost Streets of St Ebbes to discover why this community grew, how it thrived, and why it was so brutally destroyed.

As part of the tour, you will see: The Wharf House Pub, one of the last remaining buildings from the historic residential district, Speedwell Street and the plans to modernise Oxford by clearing a ‘slum’, three surviving 17th century cottages – and more historic locations that will be brought to life on this walk.

Accessibility and further information

Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.

The walk lasts 1.5 hours.

The itinerary may include cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. Please email museum@oxford.gov.uk if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk.

Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.

Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.

Scaffolding at Oxford Town Hall

From August 2025, scaffolding will be in place outside Oxford Town Hall. Both entrances to the Town Hall (main steps and level access entrance) will remain fully open and accessible while these essential maintenance works are carried out. More information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

Meet your tour guide: Maurice East

Maurice East is a local historian who was born and raised in Oxford. He interprets the social history of the city through the lens of growing up as a ‘townie’ and shines a spotlight on stories far off the usual tourist trail. His main area of research is the history of car making at Cowley and how the arrival of industry, cars and blue collar workers changed Oxford forever in the early twentieth century.