| The Sheldonian Theatre was built in 1664–8 to a design modelled on the theatre of Marcellus in Rome, and was the first major work of Sir Christopher Wren. It is named after Gilbert Sheldon who was a chancellor of the university. The Grade I listed building was built with Headington stone but when it was extensively restored in 1959–60 it was resurfaced in Clipsham stone. It is seventy feet wide and amazingly the roof has no supporting columns inside. The Oxford University Press book store was housed in a large room over the ceiling until the OUP moved to the purpose-built Clarendon Building next door in 1713. It was designed as a place for "the enactment of university business", and the annual Encaenia ceremony, when University degrees are conferred is held here each June. It has also been used as a concert hall since 1849 when Jenny Lind performed here. This view of the curved end of the Sheldonian, with its pillars bearing carved ‘Emperor’s heads’ faces like the stern of a ship onto Broad Street. |
