1. Morris Motors: How Oxford became a Motor City
- Author:
- David White, Jack Felton, and Christopher McKenna
- Publication Date:
- 02-2020
- Content Type:
- Case Study
- Institution:
- Oxford Centre for Global History
- Abstract:
- Oxford’s history is one of industry. One of Britain’s largest cities in the medieval and early modern period at a crucial crossing of the River Thames, the city remained a transport hub through the First Industrial Revolution. As the meeting point of the West Midlands’ canal network and the major river, Oxford facilitated water transport between the industrial heartlands and the capital. With the advent of the railways, Oxford’s position as a crossroads solidified. Later, Oxfordshire’s inland position and relatively flat geography would make it an ideal location for airbases in wartime. Road traffic, first horse-drawn and later horseless, also passed through Oxford as major roads led to and from the city. But Oxford is a home to vehicle manufacture not just a transport hub. Oxford is the UK’s motor city. These days the majority of Formula 1 teams have their headquarters in Oxfordshire, while BMW’s Mini plant is situated in the Cowley area of Oxford on the site of the old Morris Motors factory.
- Topic:
- Economics, History, Capitalism, Transportation, Industry, and Cars
- Political Geography:
- Britain and UK