Welcome to the Legal History Research Group

The study of the history of law has a long tradition behind it and is one of the Faculty’s strengths. Members of the Faculty research topics from the ancient world to the modern, from a variety of perspectives and using a range of methods. Several members of the faculty primarily research in legal history, while others engage with legal history as part of a wider research portfolio. 

Legal history research at Oxford is not limited to the law faculty, and we benefit from our connections with colleagues in other faculties and departments. Colleagues and students from elsewhere in the university are welcome at our events and also present at them.  

The annual Youard lecture is the highlight of the Faculty’s legal history calendar. In addition to the lecture, the legal history research group organises the regular Oxford Legal History Forum, a series of research seminars which take place fortnightly during term. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the forum, please contact Ian Williams. 

Enquiries from prospective research students are welcomed by members of the group. There are two scholarships at Oxford which support graduate research in legal history. The Keith Hawkins Graduate Research Scholarship at Oriel College and the Christopher and Sharon Brooks scholarship.