The Bodleian Libraries, Convocation House photo #0
The Bodleian Libraries, Convocation House photo #0

The Bodleian Libraries, Convocation House

Location pin

Broad Street, , Oxfordshire, OX1 3BG - 

  • Users

    Up to
    200 standing

Upon entering the Old Bodleian, you are welcomed with the warm stone walls surrounding the Old Schools Quadrangle, with their intricate detail lit up by the beaming natural sunlight. 

The Divinity School is the grandest room in the Old Bodleian Library, and leads from the Quad.  Completed in 1488, it is a masterpiece of late gothic architecture with a magnificent stone carved ceiling. 
Adjoining the Divinity School, Convocation House is a 17th-century building that was constructed as a meeting place for the University’s supreme legislative body. It features a fan-vaulted ceiling, fine woodwork and fixed wooden benches providing chapel style seating for your guests. 

The new Bodleian Library (Blackwell Hall) offers a smooth stone floor, high ceilings and visible gallery of books, providing a modern, flexible space for large wedding receptions.  Situated on the top floor of the Weston Library, the roof terrace offers a spectacular setting for drinks receptions, offering never before seen views over Oxford’s historic rooftops.  Wow your guests with a venue set in the heart of the ‘dreaming spires’.

Convocation House is a 17th-century building, constructed as a meeting place for the University’s supreme legislative body. It features a fan-vaulted ceiling, fine woodwork and fixed wooden benches. Chancellor's Court is the University’s former courtroom

Capacity & layout

Standing

Standing

up to 200

Theatre

Theatre

up to 200

Classroom

Classroom

up to 100

Location

Reviews

  • Matthew Shipway

    June 2021

    Absolutely stunning library. The Duke Humphrey reading room is possibly the most spectacular reading room in Europe, and it would be a real mistake to visit Oxford without going. It's right in the heart of the city and next to popular spots such as the Rad Cam and the covered market.

  • Aasiya Sidat

    July 2021

    Breathtaking, stunning buildings. Beautiful ambience and vibe. £8.75 for family of four to see the divinity school. Kids should be free seeing as they don't really understand, parents have no choice but to take them in with them, therefore we have to pay for them only for them to sit there.

  • André Smit

    October 2021

    Not to be missed, first time I heard a group of people go quiet and go “wow” at the same time. The guides are very knowledgable and had great stories about the rich history of the library and the surrounding buildings.

  • Kate Troops

    July 2021

    fascinating, amazing, could have spent all day there.. our guide was informative and truly interested in what she was talking about.

  • Terry Ryan

    August 2021

    Dreadful experience. What a waste of money if you want to see the library. Our guide (Kay) was possibly the worst guide ever, with a limited vocabulary of “however” “well” and “where was I”. The building / architecture is superb, sadly the idea of seeing a world renowned library less so. Save your money!! You won’t see the books!!!