The present Heritage Centre is on the site of 2 earlier establishments. Originally the 'New Inn' in 1868 the site became 'The Royal Oxford Music Hall'. The following year the building, which is situated a few doors down from the court house, became The Criterion public house, with a music hall called 'The Palace of Varieties' situated immediately to its rear. This offered "rational amusement for all classes" including in April 1876, a one armed juggler! In 1879 the earlier building was replaced with a brick built one.
The heritage centre itself is jam packed with items, memorabilia and artefacts so once you have absorbed all of the amazing feats of history our island was responsible for, why not relax in our comfortable cafe and enjoy our famous Cream Teas.