2-798-923 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Gown and Town Row, at Oxford, 1845. Locals and university students fighting. 'On Wednesday evening (Nov. 5) a scene of much tumult occurred in the usually quiet streets of Oxford, occasioned by the getting up of a "Gown and Town Row." In olden times great animosity existed between the "Gown" and "Town" and serious frays often occurred, weapons were used, and historians relate that lives were often sacrificed in these frays. There is a tradition that in Brewer's-lane...the gutters ran with blood...The rabble of the "Town," and the "Gown,"...continue their "rows," more particularly on the 5th of November, when the "Gown" parade the streets in ranks, and, being met by the "Town," fireworks are thrown about, fighting commences, and a regular melee ensues. However, nothing serious happens, but a few bruises, loss of caps, &c'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.