The painted room

About

Hidden behind an unassuming 18th‑century façade at 3 Cornmarket Street, the Painted Room is one of Oxford’s most intriguing historic treasures. Once part of the 14th‑century Crown Tavern, it preserves rare Elizabethan wall paintings dating from around 1580, their intricate strapwork and floral designs remarkably vivid after centuries. The room is also steeped in literary legend: William Shakespeare is believed to have stayed here on his journeys between London and Stratford‑upon‑Avon, as a guest of the tavern’s landlord, John Davenant, a vintner and later Mayor of Oxford. Covered over when fashions changed, the paintings were rediscovered in 1927 and carefully conserved, with some panels now on rollers to reveal the artwork behind. Today, under the care of the Oxford Preservation Trust, the Painted Room opens for tours and special events, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the domestic elegance of Elizabethan Oxford and a tangible connection to the city’s theatrical and social history.

Oxford United Kingdom

Location

The Painted Room is located at 3 Cornmarket Street in Oxford, with the postcode OX1 3EX. This hidden gem is housed within a historic 14th-century timber-framed building that was once the Crown Tavern, believed to be visited by William Shakespeare during his trips to Oxford. The room itself features stunning and well-preserved Tudor wall paintings with intricate floral designs dating back to the 16th century, reflecting the city's rich artistic and religious history through symbols from both Catholic and Protestant traditions. The Painted Room is managed by the Oxford Preservation Trust and is occasionally open to the public for special events and tours. Situated in the bustling Cornmarket area, it offers easy access to Oxford’s main shopping street, close to landmarks like the Covered Market and the Radcliffe Camera, making it a fascinating stop for visitors exploring Oxford's historic heart.