Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Square is a square in central
The square is named after
The centrepiece of the square is the circular and imposing Radcliffe Camera, a library (originally for science) paid for by John Radcliffe's legacy, built 1737–48.[1] This is part of the Bodleian Library, the main building of which is situated immediately to the north of the square. The two are connected by a tunnel and there are many books stored under the square (with space for around 600,000 volumes). These books may be requested by readers. There used to be a small underground railway to transport books between the Radcliffe Camera and the main Bodleian site. To the west is
At the southern side of the square is the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, with its tall spire. This is the official church of Oxford University and is where the Oxford Martyrs were tried for heresy. A good view of Radcliffe Square and the rest of central Oxford is available from the tower, which is open to the public for a charge.
The square is widely regarded as the most beautiful in Oxford, and is very popular with tourists. There are no modern buildings to be seen, so it is also used as a setting for period films (e.g., Young Sherlock Holmes, in which Brasenose featured as Sherlock Holmes' college).
The square was also part of the venue for the Brasenose Quincentenary Ball in 2009 which celebrated 500 years of the college.[citation needed]
Gallery
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The Radcliffe Camera in Radcliffe Square, with the spire of St Mary's, the University church, behind.
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The ornamental railinged gate of All Souls College on Radcliffe Square.
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The mid eastern side of Radcliffe Square, towardsAll Souls College.
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The south east corner of Radcliffe Square, as viewed fromAll Souls Collegeat the top of the picture.
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Radcliffe Square on the day of Encaenia, 2009.
References
- ISBN 978-0-19-817423-3. Page 166.