Simon Wenham was our speaker on 13 May. Morris Motors, founded in Oxford by William Morris in 1912, significantly transformed the city. Morris not only established Oxford as a major car producer in Britain, but his company’s success rippled throughout the city.

The Morris Motors factory in Cowley became a central hub, employing a large portion of the city’s workforce. Associated industries like car body production also sprung up around the factory. This economic boom led to Oxford becoming a leader in British car manufacturing.

William Morris, later Lord Nuffield, wasn’t just an industrialist. His wealth funded philanthropic initiatives like the Nuffield College at Oxford University and the Nuffield Health organisation. These long-lasting contributions continue to shape the city’s educational and healthcare landscape.

Though Morris Motors merged with Austin in 1952, its legacy lives on. The Mini, still produced at the Cowley plant (now owned by BMW), is a direct descendant of the early Morris Motors vehicles. In short, Morris Motors put Oxford on the map as a car city, brought prosperity to its residents, and left a lasting mark on the city’s social fabric.