'A glut of books’ Robert Burton and seventeenth-century libraries

The Upper Library exhibition this term celebrates and explores some of Christ Church's seventeenth-century collections.  

During a century of political and religious turmoil the Library at Christ Church changed a great deal.  The Library was refounded and grew: people including John Locke and Sir Walter Raleigh presented copies of their works.  

Please come and see some highlights of the Library’s collections including Robert Burton’s copy of Michael Scot’s Mensa Philosophica (1603), purchased this year with the generous support of the Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, the magnificent Library Donors’ Book and a group of mandrake roots carved into the shape of people and given to the Library in 1686.

Entrance to the exhibition is free.

Opening times: 28 October to 18 December 2024: 

• Monday mornings 10am–1pm and 
• Wednesday afternoons 1–4.30pm 
• other times only by prior arrangement via library@chch.ox.ac.uk 

Venue: Christ Church Upper Library, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1DP 

Travel: Parking is not available

Accessibility: Please be aware that access to the Upper Library is by stairs only and there is no lift