Jericho is one of the most vibrant and fascinating neighbourhoods in Oxford, steeped in history, culture, and quirky charm. While it may not have the ancient roots of its namesake in the Middle East, Jericho, Oxford has plenty to captivate curious minds and surprise kids with some unexpected facts. From its industrial past to its modern-day love for crazy golf, here are five amazing facts about Jericho, Oxford that will make your kids go “Wow!” and leave them eager to explore more.
1. The Curious Name: Why Jericho?
One of the first questions kids might ask when they hear the name Jericho is, “Why is it called Jericho?” The name actually has a very interesting backstory. In the 19th century, Jericho was one of the first areas of Oxford to be developed as a working-class suburb, housing the workers from the nearby Oxford Canal and the various factories in the area. The neighbourhood was somewhat isolated from the rest of Oxford, with limited access to services. Because of this separation, it was named Jericho after the biblical city which was also distant from the main settlements of the time. The local St Barnabas Church even chose the name because it acted as a “place of refuge” for those outside the city centre. So, while it may not have ancient walls like the original Jericho, Oxford’s Jericho still carries a sense of history and community that makes it special.
2. Jericho’s Secret Connection to Harry Potter
This one is sure to excite any young Harry Potter fan! Jericho, Oxford has a magical connection to the world of Harry Potter. While most people know that many of the iconic film locations were shot in and around Oxford, not many realise that the Eagle and Child pub in Jericho was a favourite meeting place for J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis – two of the greatest fantasy authors of all time. Tolkien, who wrote The Lord of the Rings, and Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, would often gather here with other writers to discuss their works, share ideas, and inspire each other. It’s quite possible that some of their discussions in Jericho laid the groundwork for the fantasy literature that inspired J.K. Rowling’s creation of the Harry Potter series. So, the next time you’re wandering through Jericho, you’re walking in the footsteps of the literary giants who helped bring magic to life!
3. The Iconic Jericho Canal
Another fascinating fact about Jericho is its historical connection to the Oxford Canal. This canal was once the lifeblood of the area, providing a vital transport link between the Midlands and Oxford. Built in the late 18th century, the canal played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, allowing goods such as coal, timber, and food to be transported to and from Oxford. Jericho became a hub for canal workers and factories, which is why so much of its architecture reflects its industrial past. Today, the Oxford Canal is a peaceful waterway, perfect for family walks, boat rides, and even feeding the ducks. Your kids might be amazed to learn that this tranquil canal was once a bustling centre of industry and commerce!
4. Crazy Golf in Jericho
Yes, you heard it right – Jericho has a quirky connection to crazy golf! Kids will be excited to know that just down the road, the Junkyard Golf Club has brought the fun and chaos of crazy golf to Oxford. With creatively designed courses featuring everything from scrapyard objects to neon lights, it’s a hit with families and students alike. However, Jericho’s love for golf doesn’t end there. Back in the 1920s, during the rise of leisure activities in the area, the workers from the nearby canal and railways would set up makeshift mini-golf courses in the courtyards of their homes using old tin cans and makeshift clubs. These early forms of crazy golf were a fun way for the local community to unwind after a hard day’s work. While today’s crazy golf courses may be a bit more refined (and colourful), they still capture that same sense of fun and creativity that was born in the heart of Jericho.
5. Jericho’s Famous Film Heritage
Jericho has long been a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. Its picturesque streets, period buildings, and charming canals have made it an ideal setting for many popular films and TV shows. One of the most famous examples is Inspector Morse, the British detective series that often used Jericho as a filming location. Kids might recognise the area from episodes where the beloved detective unravels mysteries on the cobbled streets of Jericho. The neighbourhood has also featured in films like The Golden Compass and An Education. Who knows, next time you stroll through Jericho, you might just be walking through the set of the next big blockbuster!
Jericho, Oxford may be small in size, but it’s bursting with interesting stories and surprising facts that will make any child’s imagination light up. From its historical roots as an industrial suburb to its quirky connections with crazy golf and fantasy literature, Jericho is a neighbourhood that offers a little bit of magic, history, and fun for everyone. So, whether you’re exploring its charming streets or taking a swing at some crazy golf, Jericho is sure to leave your kids saying “Wow!” and wanting to discover more.
