The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see. Anyone visiting Oxford should make a stop here. The library as a whole can be seen from the outside (which is already an impressive sight), but there are also guided tours throughout the day.
The Bodleian Library is housed in several historic buildings in Oxford, including the Old Bodleian, Radcliffe Camera, and Duke Humfrey’s Library. The Old Bodleian, located on Broad Street, includes the Divinity School, a stunning example of English Gothic architecture used for university ceremonies and exams.
What's the History of Oxford's Bodleian Library?
The Bodleian Library boasts a rich and continuous history dating back to 1602, when it was officially re-founded by Sir Thomas Bodley after a period of neglect. However, the library’s roots are much older, with its origins tracing back to the medieval period.
Thomas Cobham, Bishop of Worcester, created it when he donated his collection of chained books. This initial library, situated above the north side of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin on the High Street, grew with subsequent donations. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, gifted a collection of manuscripts between 1435 and 1437 – which required a larger building.
A bigger room was built above the Divinity School – the room that is today known as Duke Humfrey’s Library.
The re-founding of the Bodleian Library
In the late 16th century, the library began a period of decline. Its furniture was sold, and a series of manuscripts were purged due to being considered “supersticious”. But in 1598 Thomas Bodley, a former fellow of Merton College, offered to support the development of the library.
“I will take the charge and cost upon me, to reduce it again to his former use” he said.
Six of the Oxford University dons helped Bodley in refitting the library, and the man himself donated more books. It was formally re-opened on 8 November 1602 under the name “Bodleian Library” – officially Bodley’s Library. At this time, the library had about 2000 books.
Bodley's Varied Interests
Thomas Bodley had varied collecting interests – a tradition that continues today. He attempted to source manuscripts from Turkey as early as June 1603, the same year he acquired the first Chinese book. Interestingly, though, nobody at Oxford could understand them!
Francis Bacon called the Bodleian Library “an Ark to save learning from deluge”. Its popularity grew so fast that by 1610-1612 the building had to expand. By 1620, the library had 16,000 items.
Expanding to the Schools Quadrangle
By the time Bodley died, in 1613, the Bodleian Library was just beginning its most impressive expansion. The Schools Quadrangle (also known as the “Old Library”) was built between 1613 and 1619. The entrance is the Tower of the Five Orders, named so because of its ornaments representing the five orders of classical architecture: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. As the library expanded, the different rooms in the upper floors of the quadrangle were gradually taken over. The lectures and examinations held in them had to be moved to the newly created University Schools building and the art collection as transferred to the Ashmolean.
The Bodleian Libraries Complex
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford is a complex system made up of several libraries, each specializing in different academic fields. These libraries collectively form one of the largest and most comprehensive library systems in the world. Here are the main libraries that are part of the Bodleian Libraries system:
Bodleian Library: The central and oldest library, often referred to simply as “the Bodleian,” located in the heart of Oxford. It includes the historic Divinity School, the Radcliffe Camera, and Duke Humfrey’s Library.
Weston Library: Formerly the New Bodleian Library, the Weston Library houses the Bodleian’s special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, and archival material. It also features public exhibition spaces.
Radcliffe Camera: A reading room of the Bodleian Library, this iconic building primarily serves students of history and related disciplines. It is connected to the Bodleian Library through the Gladstone Link.
Sackler Library: Specializing in archaeology, art history, and ancient history, this library supports a wide range of disciplines within the humanities.
Taylor Institution Library: Focused on modern European languages and literature, this library is essential for students and researchers in language studies.
Sainsbury Library: Located within the Saïd Business School, this library supports the study of business and management.
Bodleian Law Library: A specialized library that supports the Faculty of Law, providing resources for the study of English, European, and international law.
Social Science Library (SSL): Serving the social sciences, this library provides comprehensive resources in fields such as politics, sociology, economics, and anthropology.
Radcliffe Science Library (RSL): Focused on the sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine, this library is central to the study of scientific disciplines at Oxford.
Bodleian Oriental Institute Library: Specializing in the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Near and Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Islamic world.
Rewley House Continuing Education Library: Supporting the Department for Continuing Education, this library is designed for part-time and distance learning students.
Gladstone Link: An underground extension that connects the Old Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera, providing additional study space and access to collections.
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Spirit of Sir Thomas Bodley
Sir Thomas Bodley, the founder of the Bodleian Library, is said to have left an indelible mark on the institution… as a ghost!
Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghostly Librarian at Duke Humfrey’s Library
Oxford’s Duke Humfrey is not only renowned for its vast collection of books but also its eerie reputation as the home of a spectral librarian.
The Bodleian Library Today
The Bodleian today includes twenty-eight libraries across Oxford, including the central University library. Their online services allow to browse and search over 13 million library items. Over a million images have been digitalised, while the Library holds regular exhibitions and offers workshops and tours.
Who Can Consult the Bodleian Library?
You can use the Bodleian Library even if you’re not a member of the University of Oxford. Library access can be provided to any individual provided they have a research need and present the required forms of identity. You must be over 18 years of age and charges apply. You can read more about how to apply for a Bodleian Library card here.
Where is the Bodleian Library?
The Bodleian Library is located in the heart of Oxford, England, on Broad Street, near iconic landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre. It is part of the University of Oxford and is one of the oldest and most renowned libraries in the world.
