Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Cornmarket Street, commonly referred to as Cornmarket or simply The Corn, is a significant pedestrian pathway in Oxford. It stretches between Carfax Tower in the northern direction and Magdalen Street in the southern direction. In the year 1999, the street underwent a transformation and became a pedestrian-only zone.

To the east of Cornmarket Street, you'll find the charming Golden Cross arcade. This arcade houses a collection of small jewelry and craft shops within a historical courtyard, leading visitors to the Covered Market. On the western side of the street, there's the Clarendon Shopping Centre, an indoor shopping complex that extends in an L-shape and connects to Queen Street.

One notable historical structure on Cornmarket is the building located at 26–28 Cornmarket. This timber-framed building dates back to the 14th century and is a remnant of the New Inn, which was completed in 1386. This building is now owned by Jesus College and underwent an investigative and restorative process in 1983.

One of the most prominent retail establishments on Cornmarket Street is the largest department store in Oxford, situated at number 50. Boswells of Oxford founded this store in 1738. In 1928, the store introduced a new main entrance on Broad Street, while still maintaining an entrance on Cornmarket.

The tower of the Church of England parish church of Saint Michael at the Northgate holds the distinction of being the oldest structure in Oxford. It originates from the Saxon era and can be traced back to around the years 1000–1050. The church derives its name from the medieval gate that once existed at the northern terminus of Cornmarket, known as Oxford's city walls.