Clarendon Building
48 Broad Street, Oxford, GB
Rating: 4.5 ★ (75 ratings)
Details
Grandly positioned on Broad Street, the Clarendon Building immediately commands attention with its imposing neoclassical facade, a masterpiece by Nicholas Hawksmoor completed between 1711 and 1715. Originally known as "The Printing House," it was built to house the Oxford University Press, its construction partly funded by the profits from the Earl of Clarendon's "History of the Great Rebellion." This iconic structure, fashioned from Headington stone, features a prominent Doric portico and was intended to create an impressive gateway to the university's heart. Look upwards to spot the nine statues of Muses adorning its roofline, figures that initially caused some debate before their installation. Though not usually open to the public, its exterior alone tells a significant story of Oxford's rich academic and architectural heritage.
Today, the Clarendon Building serves as office and meeting space for the Bodleian Library, an integral part of the University of Oxford's administrative functions. Its transition from a bustling press, which even housed the university police and basement cells in 1829, to a centre for library administration reflects the evolving needs of the centuries-old institution. Situated next to the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library, it forms a stunning trio of historic university landmarks. Visitors often admire its classical design, including a statue of Lord Clarendon himself, now located in a niche on the west side. The building has undergone meticulous restoration, including work on its famed Muses, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed
Contact
+44 1865 277000
Comments
This building is mostly not-accessible to the public, but those who attend interviews at the Bodleian Libraries will almost certainly visit as their HR department is found here.