Ship Street, Oxford facts for kids
Ship Street is a short, historic street located in the heart of Oxford, England. It stretches from east to west, connecting some of the city's famous landmarks.
Where is Ship Street?
Ship Street is nestled between two famous colleges of Oxford University: Jesus College to the south and Exeter College to the east. At the western end of the street, you'll find St Michael at the Northgate church. This church is very old and stands near where Oxford's original city wall once had a "north gate." Long ago, the city wall actually ran just north of Ship Street!
Near the eastern end of Ship Street, you can find the Turl Street Kitchen. This is a special cafe, bar, and restaurant that helps raise money for a student charity called Student Hubs. It's a great example of a Social Enterprise, meaning it's a business that aims to do good for the community.
Ship Street connects two important streets. To the west is Cornmarket Street, a busy shopping area. To the east is Turl Street, another well-known street in Oxford. You can also find Market Street running parallel to Ship Street to the south, and Broad Street running parallel to the north.
Ship Street's Past
Ship Street has had many different names over the centuries!
- In the 1200s, it was called Dewy's Lane, named after a family who lived there.
- By 1385, it was known as Somenor's Lane.
- For a while, it was even called Lawrence Hall after a building on the south side of the street.
The name "Ship Street" started being used around 1762. It's thought to have come from an old pub, or "alehouse," that was on the street. Another idea is that the name might have come from a "sheep market" that used to be held there.
Did you know Ship Street used to be much longer? It once stretched further east, all the way through Catte Street to the city wall at Eastgate.
St Anne's College, which was once called the Society of Oxford Home-Students, had its very first common room at 16 Ship Street. Today, the magazine for former students of the college is even named The Ship!
Many of the buildings on Ship Street are quite old, dating back to the 1500s and early 1700s. These buildings are considered Grade II listed buildings, which means they are important historical buildings that are protected.
Images for kids
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View west from the Turl along Ship Street.
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Ship Street, with Jesus College on the left.
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The Jesus College Ship Street entrance on the corner with the Turl, with Exeter College on the left.
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The Saxon tower of St Michael at the Northgate at the western end of Ship Street.
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Plan of Jesus College buildings to the south of Ship Street.
Key: A= First quadrangle,B=Second quadrangle, C=Third quadrangle, D=Junior Common Room,E=Habakkuk Room, F=Old Members' Building, G=Fellows' Garden,H=Fellows' Library, J=Hall, K=Principal's lodgings, L=Chapel,M=Principal's garden
