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Oxford A-Z
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New Bodleian Library
This Library, which takes its name from former Oxford University student Thomas Bodley, is one of the most important libraries in the UK.
First set up in the 17th century, it is now the second largest library in the UK, with over 80 miles of shelves of books.
More importantly though, the Bodleian Library is significant in that, by law, the library must be sent a copy of ever book, newspaper and even leaflet that is printed in the UK - a tradition that dates back to 1610.
As a result the Bodleian Library is one of the most complete libraries in the world, and it is an unique record of nearly 400 years of British publishing.
The Library is also special in that it is only a reading library - no books can be "borrowed" from the Bodleian. Famously even King Charles I was refused permission to borrow a book from here!
Only members of the library can enter the main library building, however, there are some guided tours around several of the other library buildings. Particularly worth visiting is the 15th century Divinity School.
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New College
Oxford's New College is, in fact, anything but new - it was first founded in 1379. The name comes from the fact that it was the first college to adopt a new policy of accepting undergraduates.
This college is one of the most interesting architectually. The majority of the buildings are built in the perpendicular style and are impressive in themselves, however, the college is perhaps most famous for its gargoyles.
In addition, the college Chapel is one of the most striking of Oxford University's College Chapels, with some excellent examples of stained glass windows.
The grounds of New College are notable in that they contain some of the best preserved surviving sections of the old city walls, which date from 1226.
One of the college's most famous past figures is William Spooner, who is remembered for inventing "spoonerisms" - sentences with the sounds transposed to create a new and amusing meaning. One of the most famous examples of this is his well known comment to a student that "you have hissed your mystery lectures, and tasted a whole worm!"
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