Open door to your history

Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street: Enjoy a family visit to Britain's oldest public museum, which displays the University's collections of art and artefacts from around the world. Follow a treasure trail, created for the weekend, on a journey through time. Museum open Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 2-5pm. Additional guided tours: Sat 11am Treasures of the Ashmolean from Guy Fawkes's Lantern to Pre-Raphaelite paintings; Sat noon Collectors of the Ashmolean from Elias Ashmole to Arthur Evans and beyond; Sat 2pm Small Treasures of the Ashmolean - Egyptian Amulets to Victorian Miniatures. Tour places must be pre-booked on 01865 278015.

Blackwell's Literary Tours, 50 Broad Street: Benjamin Henry Blackwell opened his first bookshop in 1879 and Blackwell's family firm has been at the heart of literary Oxford ever since. Join a one-hour walking tour to explore places of literary and historic interest, meeting inside 50 Broad Street, the original Blackwell's shop. Sat 11am and 2pm. Numbers limited to 15 per group. Brasenose College, Radcliffe Square: Founded in 1509, the college takes its name from the bronze sanctuary knocker which hung on the gate of the medieval hall. Visit the front quadrangle, with its Tudor buildings and 18th-century sundial, the hall and the chapel - a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles. Sun 2.30-4.30pm (organised groups will be charged as normal). Brasenose Wood: Working woodland open day. Enjoy the woodlands along with demonstrations of crafts including heavy horses extracting timber, hedge laying, walking-stick making and charcoal burning. Children's activities, refreshments, toilets. All activities accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchair users please use car park at Brasenose Farm, opposite Curry's on eastern by-pass; other visitors use Shotover Plain car park approached via eastern by-pass at Cowley. Sun 11am-3pm.

Divinity School and Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square: The 15th-century Divinity School, where students were taught divinity and took their aural exams, boasts a stone-vaulted ceiling which earns it the title of "the finest interior in Oxford". The circular Radcliffe Camera, Oxford's most famous building, was completed in 1748. Divinity School Sat 9am-12.30pm. Two tours of the Radcliffe Camera (numbers limited to 12 per group) Sat 10.30 and 11.30am.

Examination Schools, High Street: Built in the 19th-century when requirements for written exams outgrew space available in the Bodleian, the new schools were designed by Thomas Graham Jackson in striking Jacobean country-house style. Tours of the Great Hall and North and South Writing Schools Sat 10am-2pm (last tour 1pm). Holywell Music Room, Holywell Street: The oldest concert hall in Europe, the Music Room was funded by subscription and opened in 1748. It has the only surviving Donaldson organ, built in 1790 and meticulously restored. Sun 2-5pm.

Howes Allen and Montgomery Architects: Rear of 37 St Giles, near Little Clarendon Street. Well established architects' practice (architects for Oxford Cathedral) operating from garden buildings at the rear of Grade II listed 18th-century town house owned by Christ Church. Meet practice members and see displays of their work including college work, private houses and commercial buildings. Sat 10am-4pm.

Museum of Modern Art, 30 Pembroke Street: This 19th-century brewery storehouse makes a surprisingly effective setting for Oxford's Museum of Modern Art, a widely-acclaimed centre for changing exhibitions of 20th-century visual culture. Sat 2pm: Guided tour of the current exhibitions - JuliM- o Sarmento/John Murphy A Conversation Piece and Tom Wood's All Zones Off Peak. Ring 01865 722733 to reserve a free place. Moma is open to paying visitors Sat and Sun 11am-6pm. Oxford Communities Book Fair and Local History Showcase: Wesley Memorial Hall, New Inn Hall Street. Oxford's community groups publicise their activities. Call in and browse for information on local walks and cycle rides and find out who can tell you more about the history and background of your part of the city. Sat 10.30am-4pm (special admission charge of 20p for Scope).

Oxford Prison and Castle Site, New Road: The former prison site incorporating parts of Oxford's Norman castle. Areas open include Victorian A wing with 200 cells, the exercise yard, the base of 11th-century St George's Tower and the former burial ground, now a garden. Sun noon-4pm.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road: With its soaring glass roof, naturalist wrought ironwork and carvings, this extravagant "cathedral to nature" itself resembles the inside of a whale. Exhibits range from the remains of Alice's dodo to dinosaurs, meteorites and a working beehive. Museum open Sat noon-5pm. In addition: Sat 10-11am Architectural tour of the building. Pitt Rivers Museum, Parks Road: Masks peer down from high walls while boats sail overhead. In all, more than a million objects fill this Victorian storehouse of human creativity with fascinating illustrations of lifestyles around the world. Museum open Sat 10.30am-noon and 1-2.30pm. In addition: Sat 11 and 11.30am talks on the special exhibition Braving the Elements. Places for the talks must be pre-booked on 01865 270927. Entrance via the Museum of Natural History.

New College, New College Lane: This Grade I listed 14th-century college was the first to be designed as a quadrangle. Its main features include the chapel, hall, cloisters and a lovely garden bordered by the best preserved section of the city wall, acquired by New College in the late 14th-century. Sat and Sun 4-5pm.

Sir Osbert Lancaster at The Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street: It was while staying at The Randolph that Osbert Lancaster painted a series of scenes from Zuleika Dobson, Max Beerbohm's humorous novel of 1911. Visit the exhibition of his paintings to discover how the bewitching Zuleika played havoc with Oxford's dons and undergraduates alike. Sat and Sun 10am-4pm. Robert Franklin Architects, 3-5 Middle Way, Summertown: A 19th-century slaughterhouse for Oxford market butchers, now transformed into offices and studios. A special exhibition illustrates recent work on conservation and new-build country houses including Asthall Manor, the Mitford sisters' childhood home. Sat and Sun 10am-5pm.

Radcliffe Infirmary boardroom and chapel, Woodstock Road: In continual use since 1770, this handsome boardroom records famous benefactors over the years. A University institution until 1885, the Infirmary is most widely known for pioneering the use of penicillin. The early English Gothic-style chapel was consecrated in 1865. Sat and Sun noon-4pm. Radcliffe Observatory, Green College, Woodstock Road: Described by Pevsner as "architecturally the finest observatory of Europe", the 18th-century building is surmounted by a version of the Tower of Winds, an octagonal horologium built in Athens circa 100-50BC for measuring time. Excellent views. Steep stairs unsuitable for children. Sun 1-4pm.

St Luke's Church, Oxford Road, Cowley: This redundant church, built in 1938 for Morris workers by Lord Nuffield, is to be converted for use as Oxfordshire's Records Office by 2000. Sat noon-3pm.

Town Hall, St Aldate's: Completed in 1897, the handsome Town Hall illustrates the diversity of Oxford's civic life. Visit the old Court Room (Sun only), the Council Chamber, Assembly Room, Old Library and municipal treasures on view in the 15th-century crypt. Sat and Sun 10am-4pm. University College, High Street: Dating from 1249, this is Oxford's oldest college in that it records the first benefactor, founder and property. Parts open are the chapel, with its exquisite 17th-century painted glass, the 17th-century Hall and the Shelley Memorial - the white marble figure of the drowned poet, expelled from the college in 1811 for circulating an atheist pamphlet. Sat and Sun 2-5pm.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street: University degrees were awarded here and the martyred Protestant bishops were tried here before being burned at the stake in Broad Street in 1555 and 1556. Visit the University's oldest building and trace the exciting story of 800 years of town and gown. Sat 9am-6pm and Sun 11am-5pm. In addition: Sat 11am-4pm Special opening of the 14th-century room which originally housed the University Library before its transfer to the Bodleian.

University of Oxford Real Tennis Club, Merton Street: Real tennis has been played in Oxford for more than 500 years. This court dates from 1595, when the game was played very much as it is today. Visit the court, learn more of the game and see how balls are still hand-made on site. Sat 9am-12.45pm. Activities for city residents only

To join these activities, you will be asked to present your driver's licence, passport or a bill giving your full name and address to show that you are resident within the area administered by Oxford City Council.

Guided walks of the colleges and city centre: Explore the city in the company of Oxford's Guild of Guides. Tours last an hour and include entry into those colleges open to the guides and their groups on the day. Sat and Sun 2pm. Meet in Broad Street at the Clarendon Building (next to the Sheldonian).

Open-top bus tours: Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Oxford with commentary, courtesy of Guide Friday and Oxford Classic Tours (subject to availability). Oxford Classic Tours: Sat and Sun - boarding before 11am at any OCT stop. Guide Friday: Sat and Sun - boarding between 9.30 and 11.30am at Gloucester Green, Railway Station or New Road (opposite Castle Mound) and between 3.30 and 5.30pm at Railway Station or New Road. Tours to be completed in one journey. ABINGDON

Abingdon Abbey Buildings, Chequer Walk, off Abbey Close: The buildings remaining from the great Benedictine abbey of St Mary. 13th century chimney, long gallery, mill stream, garden, undercroft and craft shop. Sat and Sun 10am-4pm. Guided tours 11am and 2pm.

Abingdon Museum, The County Hall, Market Place: Late 17th-century court and market house built as County Hall for Berkshire, now a museum. Also view the local area from the roof, which is rarely open. Sat and Sun 11am-5pm.

Buried past of Abingdon: 1.5-mile guided tour led by Tim Allen of Oxford Archaeological Unit, looking at the town centre, taking in archaeological study at Abbey Gardens. Sun 2pm. Meet at County Hall. Historic town of Abingdon: 1.5-mile walking tour showing how the town has evolved and how new development fits in with the old. Sat 2pm tour led by Grant Audley-Miller (conservation officer); Sun 2pm tour led by Tony Ives (retired chief planning officer). Meet at County Hall.

Walk through Abingdon's history: 1.5-mile guided walk led by Judy Thomas, of Abingdon Archaeological and Historical Society, taking in County Hall, East St Helen's Street, Christ's Hospital and other properties of note. Sat 11am. Meet at County Hall.

Venn Mill, Garford on A338 Oxford to Wantage Road: Grade II working water-powered corn mill built circa 1800. Watch mill grinding corn by water power - and then buy the flour. Sun 10am-5pm. BICESTER

Church of St Edburg, Church Street: A Grade I medieval church, restored in 1862-3, boasting stained glass by William Morris. Sat and Sun 10am-4pm.

CHIPPING NORTON

Heythrop Park: Originally built in 1716 for Charles Talbot, this former country house has been occupied since 1970 by NatWest. Its notable features include ceilings and fireplaces. Sun 11am-3.30pm.

WALLINGFORD

St John the Baptist's Church:Former Carmel College, Mungewell

Romantic ruin on the banks of the Thames, now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Sat and Sun 10am-5pm.

St Mary's Church, Newnham Murren, signposted off A4074: Small flint church of Norman origin. 17th-century pulpit. Now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Sat and Sun 10am-4pm. WANTAGE

Object identification surgery, Vale and Downland Museum, Church Street: Bring your artefacts and find out more about them. Sat 10.30am-12.30pm.

Old Church House, Priory Road: Grade II 17th-century house with 1750 and 1880 additions. Doctor's house since 1820. Large decorative garden running down to chalk stream. Currently in residential use. Sat and Sun tour at 2pm.

Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul: 13th-century cruciform church with central tower (access via ladders). Features dating from 8th century. Guided tour with architectural expert. Sun 2-4pm. Tour 3pm. Meet in the south transept.

Wantage C of E Infants School, Church Street: Grade II listed 19th-century building. Ceiling paintings from 1850 depict scenes from the Bible. Undergoing restoration. Sat and Sun 2-5pm.

White Lodge, St Mary's Convent, Denchworth Road: Built circa 1899 by MH Baillie-Scott, the interior of this Grade II listed building is noted for its art nouveau features. Access is available to the ground floor only. Sun 2-4pm. Please pre-book on 01235 763141. Coleshill Estate: National Trust estate near Faringdon, just off the B4019 road, offers visitors the chance to enjoy a journey through time, with a Victorian model farm, traditional buildings and craft demonstrations, archaeology exhibition, tour of working dairy farm and an exploration of the secret Second World War history of Coleshill House. The estate, not normally open to the public, will be open on Sunday between 11am and 4pm. WITNEY

Cogges Manor Farm Museum, Church Lane: Guided tours of Grade II* 13th-century manor house with 19th-century alterations. Victorian period room displays a 3-D model explaining the history of the house. Free entry on tours only. Sat and Sun 2pm and 3.30pm. Pre-book on 01993 772602.

Henry Box School, Church Green: Original Grade II school building dating from 1660. Schoolroom has recently been refurbished to a high standard. Archive material on display. Sun 10am-4pm. WHEREVER you go in Oxford, you just can't get away from him. Take a walk around the city's historic centre and it's like the whole place has been built in his honour.

It does not matter whether you're sick or in search of the stars, the big name in the city remains the same - John Radcliffe.

But the odd thing is that most people in Oxford haven't got a clue who JR actually was, though they probably speak his name daily.

So for those visiting the Radcliffe Camera and other Radcliffe spots this weekend, it may come as a pleasant surprise to learn the old boy was a bit of a card.

John Radcliffe, who died in 1714, seems to have been something of a Basil Fawlty type - appallingly rude to everyone, but loved for it.

An unrepentantly blunt Yorkshireman who disdained all courtesies, he somehow became a fashionable doctor, acting as physician to both Queen Anne and King William III.

They say he was able to make 20 guineas a day, not so much because of his medical skills but because of his entertaining, if impertinent, conversation. He once proudly confessed that his medical equipment contained nothing but a skeleton and a few herbals. But his speciality became the instinctive diagnoses.

He came to Oxford University from a grammar school in Wakefield. He began to practise medicine in the city on a shoestring, sparking criticism from other doctors because of his "unprofessional remedies".

But everyone had to change their minds when he began to treat the terrible scourge of the times, smallpox. His fame spread and he was called to treat the son of Princess Anne, who reluctantly put up with his high-handed rudeness.

One night he famously refused to allow his drinking party to be interrupted by a summons from the Princess. Later, when she was Queen, he even declined to attend her as she lay fatally ill. On the one hand, he said, he could not help her and on the other, his presence at her sick bed would only distress her.

He wasted no time in upsetting the new King William III. He was eventually dropped after viewing the king's ulcerous legs and blurting out: "I would not have two such legs for your Majesty's three kingdoms." Yet by 1707 he was worth a staggering £80,000 and left the bulk of his fortune to Oxford. His official monument was a small stone in St Mary's Church. But his true memorials can be treasured this weekend.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.