Issue 33 — October 1995
Why 'Jericho'?
Why is Jericho so called? That is a question which is often asked but there is no written record, traditional tale or legend to tell us.
Illustration: Norman PollockAll we do know is that the Jericho House tavern was first built around 1650 and took its name from the surrounding area of allotments or gardens known as Jericho Gardens. This was once part of the manor of Walton whose manor house stood approximately where St Sepulchre's Cemetery lies, with its farm cottages and their gardens spread out along Walton Street towards the site of the current University Press building.
But all is not lost. The name Jericho also occurs elsewhere in England, taken from the parable of the Good Samaritan. Traditionally the name was given to places where travellers who arrived after the town gates had closed at sunset could find lodgings overnight. For travellers coming into Oxford heading for either the north or the west gates along one of the two ancient tracks which crossed Port Meadow, this was the obvious place to stay. The only place, in fact.
Christine Cowham, Guy Court
