The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford's finest buildings. It was designed by James Gibbs in the English Palladian style and built in 1737–1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library. It is located in the heart of Oxford. Found to the south of the Old Bodleian, north of St. Mary's Church, and between Brasenose College to the west and All Souls College to the east.
The Library's construction and maintenance was funded from the estate of John Radcliffe, a notable doctor, who left £40,000 upon his death in 1714. Construction only began in 1737. The exterior was complete in 1747 and the interior finished by 1748. The Library opened in 1749.
John Radcliffe (c.1650–1714) attended University College from the age of thirteen, becoming a fellow of Lincoln College at eighteen. He had a successful career in medicine, serving a number of high-profile, wealthy patients including William III and Queen Anne. He built up a large fortune and died childless. He is buried in St. Mary's Church (Oxford).
The building is the earliest example in England of a circular library. It is built in three main stages externally and two stories internally, the upper one containing a gallery.
The Camera now contains two reading rooms, mainly used by undergraduates. Beneath the lawn to the north is an underground book-store, built in 1912, connected with the Camera, and, by a subway, with the Old Library.
It is one of Oxford's most recognisable buildings and a great place to take some perfect Oxford photographs. It is only a 2 minute walk from OISE Oxford. I would recommend a lunchtime visit.
The Library's construction and maintenance was funded from the estate of John Radcliffe, a notable doctor, who left £40,000 upon his death in 1714. Construction only began in 1737. The exterior was complete in 1747 and the interior finished by 1748. The Library opened in 1749.
John Radcliffe (c.1650–1714) attended University College from the age of thirteen, becoming a fellow of Lincoln College at eighteen. He had a successful career in medicine, serving a number of high-profile, wealthy patients including William III and Queen Anne. He built up a large fortune and died childless. He is buried in St. Mary's Church (Oxford).
The building is the earliest example in England of a circular library. It is built in three main stages externally and two stories internally, the upper one containing a gallery.
The Camera now contains two reading rooms, mainly used by undergraduates. Beneath the lawn to the north is an underground book-store, built in 1912, connected with the Camera, and, by a subway, with the Old Library.
It is one of Oxford's most recognisable buildings and a great place to take some perfect Oxford photographs. It is only a 2 minute walk from OISE Oxford. I would recommend a lunchtime visit.
Photograph: Martyn J Whelton
