Lincoln College Library
Lincoln College, Turl Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3DR
Drop-in for a self-guided tour of the Upper Library on Saturday 12th September, 2-5pm (last entry 4.45pm) or Sunday 13th September, 2-5pm (last entry 4.45pm). Built to replace the medieval church destroyed by the collapse of its spire in 1700, All Saints Church was designed by Dean Aldrich of Christ Church and opened in 1709. The spire, completed in 1720, incorporates elements of Hawksmoor's four designs and Dr Mark Kirby has argued that Hawksmoor was also influential in the design of the body of the church. The closure of the church and its use by Lincoln College was first suggested in 1957, but the final service didn't take place until 1971. A year-long archaeological excavation was carried out before work could begin to create a lower floor and to raise the height of the upper floor, whilst respecting the proportions of the building. Later additions were removed, to restore the 18th century appearance of the building and much of the wood carving was reincorporated in the design of the Library, which was formally opened by the Chancellor of the University, Harold Macmillan, on 1 October 1975. In the 21st century, elegant solutions have been found to adapt the building to accommodate book security systems and to make it more accessible, whilst preserving those earlier visions of the building.
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- 1400-1700 (last entry 1645)
- Sunday 13 September:
- 1400-1700 (last entry 1645)
Location & directions
Lincoln College, Turl Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3DR
- Contact on day:
- Anna Clark
- Telephone number:
- +441865242918
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Level access through Turl Street gate ONLY. Staff-operated lift is available to access the upper floor and accessible toilet. Hand rails and contrast strips on the staircases. Hearing loop available. Guide text in sans-serif 16pt font.
Additional information
Children and Young People's events: there will be a self-guided tour sheet available for children. There is access via both High Street and Turl Street entrances, but LEVEL access is ONLY available via the Turl Street entrance.
