In the 11th century Western Europe, the emergence of the first universities marked a notable shift from solely monasteries and ecclesiastical schools being the centers of education. This led to a new social stratum within medieval cities composed of university students and faculty, who often distinguished themselves from local citizens through their distinctive robes and use of Latin—a language largely unknown to the common folk. This separation created a visible divide between the academic community and the local population.

As universities established themselves, they maintained close ties to the Church, and students were legally equated with the lowest-ranking clergy, which had significant implications on their conduct. Particularly, students could only be tried by ecclesiastical courts, which rarely imposed harsh punishments. This privilege often led to a sense of impunity among students, prompting them to engage in various offenses. While the presence of students contributed to the economic prosperity of university towns, it simultaneously bred persistent tension that often erupted into violent confrontations between students and residents, sometimes resulting in significant riots and bloodshed.

The conflict at the Oxford Inn serves as a striking example of such tensions, highlighting the historical struggles between educational institutions and the surrounding communities. The repercussions of these discordances not only influenced the dynamics within the towns but also shaped the future relationship between academia and local populations, underscoring an enduring legacy of conflict and cooperation in the development of higher education.