Today In History with The Retrospectors Trouble at the Tavern
Feb 10, 2025
Explore the chaotic origins of the St Scholastica’s Day Riot in 1355, ignited by a wine dispute at Swindlestock Tavern. Nearly 100 people lost their lives in this violent clash between Oxford students and locals. The podcast reveals the deep-rooted tensions between town and gown, tracing their legacy through the centuries. From legal complexities to contemporary parallels, this tale of rivalry showcases how a simple complaint turned deadly and influenced the founding of Cambridge University.
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St Scholastica’s Day Riot
- In 1355, a town versus gown riot in Oxford left almost 100 people dead.
- It began at the Swindlestock Tavern when students complained about the wine to the landlord/mayor.
Town and Gown Tension
- Students, often clergy, were governed by canon law, not secular law.
- This angered townspeople who felt students could act with impunity.
Underlying Tensions
- Decades of tension preceded the riot, with resentment over land ownership and student privileges.
- Cambridge University was founded by Oxford students fleeing violence after three students were lynched in 1209.