Christopher Wren's pupil Nicholas Hawksmoor designed the Clarendon Building in the then new neo-classical style. It was built in 1711 - 1713 to house the Oxford University Press, which until then had its quarters in the basement of the Sheldonian Theatre.

The place takes its name from the Earl of Clarendon, author of 'The History of the Great Rebellion', whose son presented the University with its copyright. The proceeds from its publication partly paid for the construction of the building.

The interesting statue in the niche of the first floor on the west side is that of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon. The building was used successively as the university printing house, university police station and the offices of the Registrar. It is now part of the Bodleian Library.

Oxford Bodleian Library - Divinity School

The Divinity School was built in 1420-83 for lectures and discussions on theology. It is now part of the Bodleian Library. One of the treasures kept there is a chair made of the original wood from the ship of Sir Francis Drake to me when my friend and library guide showed us in. Above the Divinity School is the magnificent Duke Humfrey Library named after Henry V's brother and built in the years 1439 - 1489. Open: weekdays - 9 am.- 5 pm., Saturdays - 9 am.- 12.30pm

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