Oxford Photo Gallery - City Scenes

The Bodleian Library is the 2nd biggest in the country after the British Library with over 13 million printed items. Radcliffe Camera is now a part of it. Built between 1737 and 1748, it was named after the royal physicial Dr. John Radcliffe, who gave a lot of money to build a library upon his death. Its circular shape is believed to represent the universe's mathematical perfection. On the left is the Sheldonian Theatre, Christopher Wren's first major work to stage university ceremonies. To the right is the Clarendon Building, designed by Christopher Wren's pupil Nicholas Hawksmoor. Completed in 1914, the Bridge of Sighs links two Hertford College buildings, with legend saying it gives residents a way to reach new flushing toilets across New College Lane without heading outside. The appearance doesn't look anything like Venice's Bridge of Sighs though, but perhaps more the Rialto Bridge. Walking around the historic town centre, there is no shortage of old and beautiful buildings. St Michael at the North Gate opens the top of its historic Saxon Tower to visitors for a view of Oxford. Built in 1050, this is the city's oldest surviving building, and worth the fairly easy 97-step climb to enjoy the space all to yourself.