Oxford Street It was known as Tyburn Road through the Middle Ages when it was notorious for public hangings of prisoners in Newgate Prison. It became known as Oxford Road and then Oxford Street in the 18th century, and began to change from residential to commercial and retail purposes by the late 19th century, attracting street traders, confidence tricksters and prostitution. The first department stores in Britain opened in the early 20th century, including Selfridges, John Lewis and HMV. Unlike nearby shopping streets such as Bond Street, it has retained an element of downmarket trading alongside more prestigious retail stores. The street
Canal Street, Oxford in Canal Street. Canal boats can be rented on the canal at Canal Street. A boatyard is also located on the canal here. To the south are the grounds of Worcester College. Previously the Jericho area was part of the Walton Manor farm owned by St John's College, Oxford. The Oxford Canal was opened in 1790 and the street was named Canal Street around 1870. St Barnabas Church was consecrated in 1869. There used to be a ferry (with ferry house) and coal wharfs close to the north end of Canal Street. Flooding has always been an issue due to