The Clarendon Building is a notable architectural landmark in Oxford, located on Broad Street, adjacent to the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. This grand structure, completed in 1715, was originally built to house the Oxford University Press. Today, it serves as an administrative building for the University of Oxford.
Today, the Clarendon Building is used primarily for administrative purposes. It houses various university offices, including the Admissions Office and the Graduate Admissions and Funding Office. The building’s central location makes it a key part of the university’s daily operations.
Despite its administrative function, the Clarendon Building remains a popular site for visitors to Oxford, thanks to its historical significance and architectural beauty. Its position on Broad Street, one of Oxford’s most famous streets, places it at the heart of the city’s academic and cultural life.
The History of The Clarendon Building
The Clarendon Building was commissioned by the University of Oxford to accommodate the Oxford University Press, which had outgrown its previous premises in the basement of the Sheldonian Theatre. The building was named after Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon, whose history of the English Civil War was one of the Oxford University Press’s most successful publications at the time. The construction of the building was funded by the profits from this publication.
Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, a prominent English architect known for his work in the Baroque style, the Clarendon Building was Hawksmoor’s first major secular commission. The building was completed in 1715 and served as the home of the Oxford University Press until 1830, when the press moved to larger premises. After that, the Clarendon Building was used for a variety of university purposes, including housing the University’s examination schools and various administrative offices.
Architectural Style
The Clarendon Building is an excellent example of English Palladian architecture, a style that was inspired by the classical forms of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. The building’s design reflects the Baroque influences of Hawksmoor’s other works, but with a more restrained and classical approach.
The building is constructed of Headington stone, a local limestone that gives it a warm, golden hue. Its façade is characterized by a series of Corinthian pilasters, which give the building a sense of grandeur and formality. The central section of the façade features a pediment supported by columns, which adds to the building’s classical appearance. The roofline is adorned with statues representing the Muses, adding an element of artistic symbolism to the structure.
The interior of the Clarendon Building is equally impressive, with large, well-proportioned rooms that were originally designed to house the various functions of the Oxford University Press. The building’s layout and design were intended to convey a sense of order and authority, reflecting its role as a key institution within the University of Oxford.
Where Is The Clarendon Building?
The Clarendon Building is located on Broad Street in the heart of Oxford, England. It sits adjacent to several other historic buildings, including the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. This central location places it within easy walking distance of many of Oxford’s most famous landmarks and makes it a prominent feature of the city’s academic and architectural landscape.
