The towers
guarded the fords and the bridge and were themselves almost
impregnable, except when a hard winter made the Thames, the Cherwell,
and the many deep and treacherous streams passable, as happened when
Matilda was beleaguered in Oxford. This natural strength of the site
is demonstrated by the vast mound within the castle walls, which
tradition calls the Jews' Mound, but which is probably earlier than
the Norman buildings. Some other race had chosen the castle site for
its fortress in times of which we know nothing. Meanwhile, some of
the practical citizens of Oxford wish to level the Jews' Mound, and
to "utilise" the gravel of which it is largely composed. There is
nothing to be said against this economic project which could interest
or affect the persons who entertain it. M. Brunet-Debaines'
illustration shows the mill on a site which must be as old as the
tower. Did the citizens bring their corn to be tolled and ground at
the lord's mill?
Though Robert was bent on works of war, he had a nature inclined to
piety, and, his piety beginning at home, he founded the church of St.
George within the castle. The crypt of the church still remains, and
is not without interest for persons who like to trace the changing
fortunes of old buildings. The site of Robert's Castle is at present
occupied by the County Gaol. When you have inspected the tower
(which does not do service as a dungeon) you are taken, by the
courtesy of the Governor, to the crypt, and satisfy your
archaeological curiosity.
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