Oxford is famous for its university. Tours of the city visit the Sheldonian Theatre, Christ Church, the City Walls. Tourists also go punting on the River Cherwell. But one of the most popular attractions is the Bodleian Library with its magnificent buildings.
Visitors to the Bodleian Library often have a strange sensation of déjà vu. They recognise the rooms. How is that possible? Of course, it was the film location for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School! Christ Church’s Great Hall was also used in the films.
sorry
The Bodleian Library is one of the most important libraries in the world. It has over 11 million items, including ancient manuscripts, sculptures, coins and exotic artefacts.
Can you borrow a book from the Bodleian Library? No, nobody can. Even King Charles I was refused permission. It’s a research library. Scholars come from all over the world to view its artefacts. Many of these artefacts have, however, been digitised. Anyone can visit the library’s website and discover its many treasures.
the pig
Let’s see what we can discover. There are facsimiles of ancient manuscripts. Each college offers a collection of manuscripts through the Early Manuscripts at Oxford University website.
There are regular online exhibitions: a wonderful example is the John Johnson Collection. It provides an amazing view of everyday life in the 18th century. Read shop signs, restaurant menus, newspapers and announcements of the death penalty. Romantics will love the collection of 19th century Valentines cards. Finally, discover Toby, the Sapient pig. Apparently Toby could read and write. A poster advertises his autobiography for one shilling.
Toby, the Sapient Pig
There were many performing pigs in the 18th century. But Toby, the Sapient Pig was special. He could spell and read. He could play cards. And he could tell the time. He could even discover a person’s thoughts. He appeared in London theatres and was a great success. His owner and trainer, Mr Hoare, was an ex-magician. Mr Hoare had another animal sensation: a Learned Goose. But no-one (or better, no animal) ever challenged the fame of Toby, the Sapient Pig.
For more information:
- Bodleian Library www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley
- Early Manuscripts at Oxford University http://image.ox.ac.uk