Open top bus company marks Black History Month with unique tour of Oxford
2 weeks ago
City Sightseeing Oxford is providing a unique tour for visitors to celebrate Black History Month.
Black Oxford: Untold Stories, created by award winning producer Pamela Roberts, brings to life unknown local stories and secret histories of the city’s black scholars. It includes the story of pioneer Christian Frederick Cole, the University of Oxford’s first black scholar and Britain’s first black barrister.
Passengers will be treated to previously untold stories celebrating Oxford’s black history at some of the city’s most iconic locations, including the Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs.
Following the success of the tour in the summer Oxford Bus Company has announced it will operate the service in October to mark Black History Month. Tours are available to book on 5th and 6th October, 12th October and 20th October.
Pamela Roberts, founder, and director of Black Oxford: Untold Stories said: “The tour sets out to challenge the misconception that historically black students never studied at the University of Oxford.
“When it comes to the University of Oxford’s historic alumni, the names of Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, and Bill Clinton are familiar to many. But what about its Black scholars?
“Guests will learn about the lives of Oxford’s forgotten black community in a time of adversity. For example, James Aurther Harley, who became the first black scholar at the Pitt Rivers Museum and Kofoworola Moore, Oxford University’s first African woman scholar at St Hugh’s College.”
Luke Marion, City Sightseeing Oxford Managing Director, said: “Following its success this summer we are proud to be providing additional tours to celebrate Black History Month.
“We’re proud to have formed such an innovative partnership that enables us to offer our customers a unique insight into Oxford’s diverse history.”
Visitors can enjoy the experience via City Sightseeing Oxford’s hop-on hop-off bus tour and take in the breath-taking views of Oxford's picturesque spires from the top deck and get up close with a walk through the city’s historic streets.
City Sightseeing Oxford recently transformed its fleet to all-electric as part of Oxford Bus Company’s roll-out of zero emission vehicles across the city.
Tickets for the 90-minute tour cost £20 for adults and £11 for children with student and senior tickets priced at £15.
Tour participants have the option to enhance their experience by including City Sightseeing’s Hop-on Hop-off bus service as an add-on, available at a discounted rate of just £5.
City Sightseeing Oxford’s hop-on, hop-off bus tours of the city’s most famous landmarks with audio commentary in 14 languages.
It operates the visitor information point on the High Street, providing information on everything there is to see and do in the city and the greater Oxfordshire area. It supplies travel timetables, maps and books. Plus, discounted tickets for attractions, gifts, and souvenirs. It also delivers private group walking tours which run throughout the year.
For more information and to book a tour visit the City Sightseeing Oxford website here: https://www.citysightseeingoxford.com/black-oxford/
Pamela has written for BBC History Magazine, Royal Anthropological Journal, and Oxford University Press. She is a member of the Royal Society of the Arts, the Royal Historical Society and an Alumnus of the Eccles Centre for American Studies at the British Library.