The removal of a single ampersand marks a new chapter for one of Oxford's most historic visitor attractions. Oxford Castle & Prison has officially become Oxford Castle Prison, symbolising a significant evolution in how the city centre attraction presents more than 1,000 years of history to guests.

The removal of the ampersand is among the most visible signs of an all-encompassing rebrand that reflects what guests can experience within it’s near thousand-year-old walls - powerful stories of crime, punishment and reform. The entrance to the attraction, website and social media channels also have a new look, while new elements of the tour will be introduced in the coming months.

For many years, the attraction's name suggested an equal focus on both the castle and prison elements of the site. However, feedback has shown that it is the human stories connected to the prison - and the people who lived, worked and were incarcerated there - that make the stories of the Castle Prison most unique and that resonate most strongly.

While the medieval castle remains central to the site's story, the new name better reflects the experience guests encounter today and the stories that guides bring to life.

Adam Makinson, General Manager at Oxford Castle Prison, said: "The castle and the prison have always been part of the same story, but we wanted our name to better reflect the experience visitors have when they come here. The prison narratives are often the stories that people remember most as we take a deep dive into how society has changed over the centuries through the lens of crime and punishment.

"Dropping the ampersand may seem like a small change, but it represents a much bigger shift in how we talk about what we offer. We're still incredibly proud of our Norman castle heritage and will continue to tell the amazing stories from its history such as Empress Matilda’s escape from St George’s Tower and its construction under William the Conqueror. But the new name better captures the unique experience we offer and the stories that continue to fascinate visitors from around the world.

“The rebrand is about telling those stories more clearly. We want people to understand that this is not just a historic building - it’s a place where a thousand years of human experiences come to life.”

The rebrand comes as Oxford Castle Prison, which is operated by Continuum Attractions, prepares for a busy summer season, with Guided Tours, family activities and outdoor theatre all taking place throughout the school holidays.

Families can take part in the popular Knight School, where children train in medieval skills before being ceremonially knighted, while the Oxford Shakespeare Festival returns to the historic Castleyard with open-air performances including Julius Caesar and Macbeth. Guided Tours will continue to run daily, offering visitors the chance to explore St George’s Tower, the crypt and the former prison cells.

Continuing, Adam said: “This summer is a great time to experience Oxford Castle Prison in a new way. Whether sampling a Guided Tour, learning to be a knight in our ‘Knight School’ or enjoying an evening performance at the Oxford Shakespeare Festival, they’ll uncover stories in entertaining and surprising ways - all of which have connections to our great city.”

Find out more about Oxford Castle Prison’s summer activities here.