Beaumont Palace

One of my favourite things about going anywhere is exploring its history and wondering about the lives of those who have lived through the layers of the past. It amazes me how little we make of our history here in the UK- no clue is given in some places to really significant events and people which form part of that location’s past.

Oxford is such a famous city with great pride taken in its university buildings and yet this simple stone, overgrown by foliage, is the only indication that two of our most famous monarchs- The Lionheart and Bad King John- were born in a palace which once stood on this spot. How many people wander past without noticing the plaque with no idea of what once stood here or who was born within its walls?

Originally known as ‘The King’s Houses’, Beaumont Palace was built outside Oxford’s North Gate in about 1130 for Henry I. The sons of Henry II, Richard I, b. 1157, and John, b. 1167, were both born in this palace of which nothing now remains. Beaumont Street, named for the palace, is now best known for the Ashmolean Museum and The Randolph Hotel both of which can be found at the other end of the road from the commemorative plaque.

24 Beaumont St,

Oxford

OX1 2NP