The Clarendon Quad takes its name from the Clarendon Building, which dominates one side of the square. This building was constructed between 1711 and 1715, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, to house the Oxford University Press. The press was headquartered here until the early 19th century, after which it became part of the university’s administrative buildings.
The Clarendon Building, a prominent structure in the quad, is one of Oxford’s most significant examples of English Baroque architecture. The classical columns and grand scale reflect the importance of the building and the university’s academic and publishing history.
While the quad doesn’t serve the same social or residential functions as some of Oxford’s other college quads, it is a central part of the university’s public and administrative life. It is often crossed by students and staff moving between libraries and academic buildings.
Surrounding Buildings
The Clarendon Quad is surrounded by several of Oxford’s most significant and historic buildings, creating an academic and architectural hub in the heart of the university. Here’s a more detailed look at these key structures:
The Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, forms part of the northern and eastern perimeters of Clarendon Quad. The Bodleian is central to Oxford’s scholarly life and contains millions of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. In particular, the Old Schools Quadrangle of the library, completed in the early 17th century, opens up into the Clarendon Quad, creating a passageway that connects the two important academic spaces. Visitors and students often walk through Clarendon Quad when moving between the Bodleian and other university buildings.
The Clarendon Building
Dominating the eastern side of the quad is the Clarendon Building itself, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in the early 18th century. Originally constructed to house the Oxford University Press, the building now serves university administrative functions. Its Baroque design, featuring large, imposing columns and a grand entrance, adds to the quad’s sense of historical gravitas. The building’s architecture, inspired by classical forms, stands in harmony with the Sheldonian Theatre and the surrounding historical structures.
Sheldonian Theatre
To the west of Clarendon Quad lies the Sheldonian Theatre, a striking building designed by the famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1668. The theatre is used for university ceremonies, such as graduations and matriculation, making it a significant cultural and ceremonial site within the university. Its semi-circular design and grand dome stand out as one of Oxford’s architectural gems, and it is visible from many vantage points around the quad. The Sheldonian’s proximity to Clarendon Quad emphasizes the central role the area plays in the university’s ceremonial and public events.
Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square
While not directly enclosing Clarendon Quad, Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square are nearby, just a short walk to the south. Radcliffe Camera, with its famous circular design, houses part of the Bodleian Library’s collection and is one of Oxford’s most iconic buildings. The proximity of Clarendon Quad to Radcliffe Square means it serves as a thoroughfare for students and visitors moving between the library, academic departments, and Oxford’s colleges.
The Clarendon Quad and His Dark Materials
This beautiful location was featured in Season Two of the BBC series His Dark Materials, adapted from Philip Pullman’s renowned fantasy trilogy. While the fictional Jordan College in the story doesn’t exist, the exterior scenes for it were filmed at New College, visible in the distance. However, one key moment begins right here in Clarendon Quad, where the characters Lyra and Will are seen rushing out through the gate, crossing Catte Street, and heading under the Bridge of Sighs.
How to Visit Clarendon Quad
Clarendon Quad itself is typically accessible to the public, particularly as a passageway between the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, and Radcliffe Square. While walking through the quad, you can appreciate the architectural surroundings of these historic buildings.
Many of Oxford’s walking tours, including guided tours of the Bodleian Library, will pass through Clarendon Quad, giving you insights into its history and the surrounding buildings. These tours are an excellent way to understand the context of the quad within Oxford’s broader academic landscape.
