“Joyriding” in Oxford: Elizabeth Oladunni Reports on Professor Sean O’Connell’s Pembroke Lecture

The following article is written by Co-President of the Pembroke History Society, Elizabeth Oladunni (BA History and Politics, 2015).

Musings on O’Connell’s: “From dreaming spires to screeching tyres: exploring Oxford’s place in the history of “joyriding”

Pembroke History Society hosted Professor Sean O’Connell, Professor of Modern British and Irish Social History at Queen's University, Belfast, on Friday 5th May for lecture on “joyriding” in Oxford. Truth be told, I had never pondered on the occurrence of joyriding in Oxford before this event – it was the stuff of Hollywood, and Inspector Morse’s Oxford was the last place I expected to be a focal point for joyriding.

Professor O’Connell’s lecture was riveting. He elaborated on the integral link between masculinity and motors, particularly in the 20th century. Even more, the main culprits of “joyriding” were not typical ‘Hollywood bad boys’, rather they were middle-class, well-to-do young men who said they simply “borrowed” cars which they often used to show off and pick up young women. Early jurists too didn’t see a need to persecute these young men, preferring to defend their good character and youthful need for speed.

It was interesting to learn that Oxford in the 1990s was infamous for joyriding, particularly in Blackbird Leys. The various factors that instigated this were coincidental – yet astounding. A mix of infrastructural layout, local industries and low policing patrols made the area around Blackbird Leys the perfect hotspot for joyriding. Moreover, joyriding to some residents was far from a criminal act, it was a source of entertainment and of great amusement for many. The juveniles engaged in this act were often cheered on and celebrated, and it was the police who tried to put a stop to joyriding that often sparked the ire of the cheering crowds.

O’Connell’s use of oral history as a major source for his research made the lecture not only interesting, but also - at points – absolutely hilarious. It was a pleasure to have had Professor O’Connell at Pembroke, and his lecture thoroughly engaged both the students, locals and staff. Still, this is one of many events the Pembroke History Society has run this year, and we look forward to hosting more fascinating talks like this in the future.

This event was supported by the Pembroke Annual Fund.