Imperial Oxford Walking Tour

Inspired by the radical walking tours of social historian Ciaran Walsh, Imperial Oxford takes you through 400 years of colonial history straight from the belly of the beast. 

Over the course of two hours, you will discover the role of Oxford University in: 

• The British Raj in India 
• The opium wars in China 
• Africa, the Caribbean and the Maafa 
• Present-day colonial wars in the Middle East
• Anti-colonial resistance and solidarity

Your tour guide has over two decades experience as an educator, writer, political journalist and lyricist and holds a masters degree (distinction) in International Relations. 

Other dates may be available on request - contact oxfordgrassroots@gmail.com to enquire 

Free tickets for: 

• Local (non-student) residents without citizenship of a western country. 
• Families of prisoners
• Anyone on bail  

All profits go towards the Grassroots Education Front, a community initiative providing free interactive political history events run by and for the local multiethnic working class

Comments on Imperial Oxford walking tour 

"I am so impressed with how thoroughly you brought forward these entangled histories. It should be required for every Oxford student and faculty."  - Dr Amber Murrey, Associate Professor of Human Geography, Tutorial Fellow at Mansfield College

"You couldn't get a better expose of the real Oxford University." - Pete McCann, playwright

"Really brilliant!" - Avril

“It was a brilliant tour with very insightful information.” - Nicole

"Dan's walking tour was really interesting and offered a fascinating glimpse into aspects of Oxford's history that you don't usually hear about - would very much recommend!" - Chris

"A very interesting tour with plenty of surprising details weaving together Oxford's imperial past and present. I would highly recommend it to anyone curious about the depths of elitism in the colleges and recent critical engagement with otherwise stolen or hidden history." - Tom

"I was really glad I came - very interesting tour" - Usha

"Dan did a great job in exploring the different personalities linked to imperial history and colonial violence. It's changed my perspective on Oxford. Great tour!" - Ali

"Amazing hidden histories of Oxford and its role in the world, in war, and in drugs - I’m mind-blown" - Viv

"Very insightful - really good" - Malaika 

"Dan's tour was such a fantastic experience. I was blown away by Dan's research and how it corrected what we didn't know about the connections of power and control. I will definitely be booking another tour and taking my friends. I give the tour 10/10 definitely." - Osman, Oxford 

"Dan's walking tour was really interesting and offered a fascinating glimpse into aspects of Oxford's history that you don't usually hear about - would very much recommend!" - Chris, Swindon 

"If there's one thing you do in Oxford to learn about its history, let it be this!" - Hannah, Oxford  

Comments on Dan's previous tours

"Dan was incredibly knowledgeable. He spoke with depth, passion, and clarity, weaving together history, literature, art, and architecture in a way that truly captivated us. We’re still talking about the stories he told us!" - Milka, Norway

"Dan was lovely, well-informed and answered all of our questions. I learnt a lot about Oxford and would definitely recommend!" - Ceara

"Dan gave a great talk. He had a lot of knowledge about the area and delivered it in a very engaging way. Would certainly recommend this tour if you are visiting Oxford." - Debbie K, St Albans

"Dan had a solid grasp of Oxford’s history and explained the roots and hierarchy of the college scene in the UK and in Oxford. He welcomed questions and asked several of his own, which made the tour very interesting and interactive." - Roseana W, Philadelphia ,PA

"Our guide was Dan and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Not only did we see several colleges and learned their histories, but the campuses became alive with the anecdotes that Dan shared. We felt lucky that we discovered Oxford with Dan. The four of us highly recommend." - Jeanna R, Kearney

"A fantastic tour of the university ... a lot of small stories made in to a great historical lesson." - Leif, Norway

"Dan was absolutely brilliant. He was a font of knowledge about Oxford and targeted well to the audience. Really great guide." 

"What an excellent experience! We loved our tour guide, Dan, and have referred some friends to ask for him. The tour was informative, pleasant and fun - brilliant!" - Leanne T 

"Tour guide Dan was great! He gave us a lot of interesting facts about Oxford very charming and entertaining. You could understand him well and he has responded well to questions and needs of his guests very well." - Cornelia 

"It was a super interesting and enjoyable tour!! Dan was our guide, he is a super polite and friendly person! The experience was much better thanks to their closeness and all their knowledge about Oxford. I would repeat 100%" - Guillermo 

"A big thank you to Dan for an amazing tour of Oxford University! For nearly two hours, he shared the history of the colleges with passion and a wealth of knowledge. It was engaging from beginning to end. We highly recommend Dan!" - Atessa