Oxford Brookes students bring chilling history to life with immersive dark tourism experience

An immersive dark tourism experience designed by Oxford Brookes University students was implemented and opened to the public at a 1,000-year-old city centre venue.

The new tourist experience at Oxford Castle & Prison, ‘Tea with Mary Blandy’, ran on Sunday 5 October and gave visitors the opportunity to travel back 273 years in time and learn about one of the castle’s most notorious prisoners, Mary Blandy.

Two postgraduate students on Oxford Brookes Business School’s (OBBS) ‘Dark Tourism’ module pitched the idea to Oxford Castle & Prison representatives as part of their final course assessment in May. 

Oxford Castle & Prison then offered students Olivia Kelley and Laurie Pletinckx the chance to bring their idea to life. Following months of planning, the Afternoon Tea experience went live to the public on 5 October, and will run again on a future date to be confirmed. 

Visitors to the attraction were taken back to 1751, when Mary Blandy, of Henley-on -Thames, was imprisoned at Oxford Castle & Prison after being found guilty of poisoning her father by stirring arsenic into his tea. Although she maintained her innocence, Mary Blandy was confined to the prison. 

She was, however, allowed the luxury of hosting friends for tea, but always with her ankles shackled. 

Visitors to the tourist attraction earlier this month were able to join Mary Blandy—played by an actor—for afternoon tea, to hear her side of the story and to decide for themselves whether or not she was guilty.

Following the launch of the attraction, Olivia said: “Working with Oxford Castle and Prison to bring my vision of the tea party to fruition was incredibly rewarding and exciting. This project not only deepened my appreciation for dark tourism but also honed my skills in project management, creative storytelling, and audience engagement. 

“I was fortunate to work with a dedicated team that shared a passion for connecting visitors to the rich histories and stories surrounding the site. I truly enjoyed every second of bringing this project together, and I am looking forward to seeing how the event develops down the line.”

Laurie commented: “What began as theoretical discussions on Dark Tourism evolved into something much more tangible as we visited places like Henley, met with museum curators, and connected with local communities. This unique experience not only enhanced our academic understanding but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the real-world impact of our work.”

Following the start of a new academic term earlier this month, it has been confirmed that the new influx of postgraduate students on the Dark Tourism module will also take part in the same assessment and pitch their own ideas to Oxford Castle & Prison.

Dr Brianna Wyatt, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events Management, and the Dark Tourism module leader said: “The students’ assessment to pitch a new visitor experience idea to the Oxford Castle & Prison management team was always intended to highlight the value of experiential learning. I was impressed with all of the ideas that were pitched, but seeing one of the ideas actually implemented is a great motivator for future students of the module.

“The Dark Tourism module is now underway again this year with a new group of students, and the Oxford Castle & Prison management team and I are looking forward to seeing their ideas.”

Kesia Middlemore, Operations Duty Manager at Oxford Castle & Prison, said: “Taking tea with a convicted poisoner isn’t everyone’s idea of an afternoon out, but when the concept was pitched to us, we instantly knew the students had hit on something special.
 
“Mary Blandy is one of Oxford Castle & Prison’s best-known residents and the idea plays in brilliantly to our commitment to powerful, people-led storytelling to bring tales of the past back to life.
 
“The truth behind Mary’s story is still the subject of debate today but one thing we do know is that our guests remain gripped by her complex ‘did she – didn’t she’ story. We were delighted when we realised that Mary Blandy would be the subject of one of the many great pitches we heard and have been pleased with the reception we’ve received from guests so far. Be the first to find out about the next Tea with Mary Blandy by signing up to our newsletter.”

More information on subjects taught within Hospitality, Tourism and Events can be found on the OBBS website.