Oriel College submits plans to restore historic library

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:55 · Archive

Oriel College has submitted plans for major restoration of its Grade I listed Senior Library, designed by James Wyatt in 1788.

Oriel College has submitted plans for major restoration and refurbishment of its historic Senior Library. The Grade I listed building, designed by architect James Wyatt in the late 1700s, sits in Oriel College's second Quad and dates from 1788.

The proposals include replacing the roof, carrying out masonry repairs and upgrading the library's historic windows and internal glazing. Improvements to rainwater goods, electrical and heating services are also planned, along with the installation of photovoltaic panels and a new handrail on the roof.

Oriel College says the senior library holds a collection of around 25,000 items, which include rare books and manuscripts. Its collections include early medical books and material linked to the Oxford Movement, as well as Orielensia, a collection of works written by or about Oriel alumni. A legal commentary published in 1603 and once annotated by John Donne was rediscovered in the library in mid-2024 during work on the collection.

How it is being reported

• Historic Oxford University college library set for major restorationOriel College has submitted plans for major restoration and refurbishment works to its historic senior library.Oxford Mail · 9 Oct, 12:30
• Historic Oxford University college library set for major restorationOriel College has submitted plans for major restoration and refurbishment works to its historic senior library.Oxfordshire Guardian · 9 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Oriel College · James Wyatt · Edward, Fifth Baron Leigh · John Donne · Oxford

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