Divinity School, Oxford

Divinity School, Oxford
The external door, added by Christopher Wren in 1669 for access to the Sheldonian Theatre,[1] located in the centre of the north face, mounted with the University coat of arms.
View of the north face of the Divinity School, Oxford, facing the Sheldonian Theatre.
Divinity School ceiling with lierne vaulting in the Perpendicular style.

The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style in Oxford, England, part of the University of Oxford.[2] Built 1427–83, it is the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use, specifically for lectures and discussions on theology. It is no longer used for this purpose, although Oxford does offer degrees in divinity taught by its Faculty of Theology, which is housed at the Theology Faculty Centre, 41 St Giles', Oxford.[3]

The ceiling consists of very elaborate lierne vaulting with bosses, designed by William Orchard in the 1480s.[4]

The building is physically attached to the Bodleian Library and is also next to the Sheldonian Theatre where students gain their degrees. At the far end from the Bodleian Library entrance, a door leads to Convocation House (built 1634–7).[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Wooley, A. R. (1983). The Clarendon Guide to Oxford (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 85–86. ISBN 0-19-285129-2. 
  2. ^ Virtual tour — 360° view.
  3. ^ Enquiries, Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford.
  4. ^ William Orchard - Answers.com

External links

Coordinates: 51°45′15″N 1°15′16″W / 51.754106°N 1.254454°W / 51.754106; -1.254454