The 11th century Debtor's Tower which will be restored with the grant

Oxford Preservation Trust has been awarded �3.7m for the restoration of Oxford Castle and Prison - the site of early Norman occupation.

The revamp includes the 11th-Century St George's Tower, the 20m-high mound and the Grade 1 and 11 listed buildings.

A part of the prison wall will also be removed to create a new public square.

'Conserved and enhanced'

Debbie Dance, director of the Oxford Preservation Society, said: "For years people have wanted to have access to the Mound and St. Georges' Tower and to know more about what it all means.

"Now, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, they can."

In 1878, ownership and operation of the prison was transferred from the shire authorities to the Home Office, as Her Majesty's Prison, HMP Oxford.

The prison closed in September 1996.

The jail was bought back from the Home Office by Oxfordshire County Council for �9,009 - the price it was sold for in 1877 - and officially transferred on 9 July 1997.

The county council is already working with a commercial developer to transform the site into a hotel, heritage centre, restaurants and apartments.

Tessa Hilder, South East England regional Manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund said: "The repair and restoration of Oxford Castle and Prison will ensure that this site of national heritage importance will be conserved and enhanced.

"It will also allow a wide audience of visitors to enjoy and learn about a site."