The St Scholastica Day riot broke out in Oxford, England, as tensions reached a boiling point between the local population and the students of the University of Oxford. The conflict began in a local tavern when a dispute over service turned violent, with the local tavern keepers reportedly taking offense to the behavior of the students. As word of the incident spread, students gathered in large numbers to retaliate against the locals, leading to widespread brawls throughout the streets of Oxford. In the ensuing chaos, weapons were drawn, and violence escalated between the two groups.

Over the course of two days, the conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals. Buildings were damaged, and the social order in the city was significantly disrupted. The local authorities struggled to control the violence, which highlighted the weaknesses in their ability to maintain peace in a city that housed such a prestigious university. The riot not only showcased the animosity between the scholars and the townspeople but also had lasting repercussions on their relations.

Following the violence, the authorities at the university sought to impose stricter regulations on student behavior outside the university grounds. The incident exemplified the ongoing conflict between the educational institutions and the local community, leading to future efforts to mediate and improve interactions. This riot became a notable example of the friction in medieval England between scholars and townspeople, emphasizing social hierarchies and localized power struggles.