Radcliffe Camera – Oxford University – Oxford, England

Radcliffe Camera (camera meaning room in French), Oxford’s most distinctive building was constructed between 1737-1749 with funds bequeathed  by Dr. John Radcliffe, a physician.   The building was originally intended to house a new library and designs were called for from several leading architects.  James Gibbs’ elegant design won this competion.  He was also responsible for the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London. 

This domed Baroque rotunda is now used as the main reading room of the Bodleian Library (building with spires to the right).  There some 600,000 books in underground rooms beneath Radcliffe Square.  Unfortunately Radcliffe Camera is not open to the public.

Helen 

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