Sir – The report on the return of the Greyfriars to Oxford for the first time in 500 years (May 22) suggested that the medieval Franciscan friary was in Iffley Road.
Oxford’s original Franciscan Friary was actually in St Ebbe’s. Before the Westgate was built, the foundations of the magnificent Greyfriars church were excavated.
A small fragment was preserved in the basement of Sainsbury’s.
The council’s decision to rebuild and extend the Westgate means that the remaining site of the Greyfriars, including the foundations of its two cloisters and library will be destroyed.
These buildings were home to some of medieval Oxford’s most illustrious scholars, including the scientist Roger Bacon.
Further excavations of this internationally important site are planned in advance of construction. It is to be hoped that the council will ensure that visitors will be able to see the work in progress before this significant part of Oxford’s heritage disappears forever.
Tom Hassall, Oxford
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