All Souls College Library, University library in Oxford, England
All Souls College Library is a university library in Oxford holding around 185,000 books, journals, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts, with many items dating before 1800. The spaces are arranged to serve research and study, displaying important historical documents throughout the building.
Nicholas Hawksmoor designed this building, which opened in 1751 following a substantial gift from Christopher Codrington. The architectural design and collection policies show how bequests shaped academic institutions in the 18th century.
The collections focus on law, European history, church history, military history, and classics. Visitors can see how these subjects shaped academic work and remain central to the college's mission.
Access is restricted to registered Oxford University members, with regular opening hours for research and study. Visitors should check access policies beforehand, as entry is limited to affiliated scholars.
A woman named Cornelia Sorabji became the first female reader admitted in 1890 after an invitation from Sir William Anson. This moment reflects how the institution gradually opened its doors to new scholars.
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