Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre is one of the most beautiful buildings in Oxford and plays a significant role in University life. It was built in 1669 by the most important architect of the city, Sir Christopher Wren. It has a capacity of over 1000 people seated in narrow benches around a large stage. Since it was built, the theatre has been used to house both official ceremonies for the university and prestigious lectures:
 

• Degrees are conferred to Oxford University students here.
• The traditional ceremony students undergo when they join the university also takes place here, this is called matriculation.
• The Romanes Lecture are also held here, these are free public lectures given annually.

 
If you’re lucky, your visit to Oxford will coincide with a graduation or matriculation, and you’ll be able to see the students dressed in Sub-Fusc – a traditional kind of formal dress, which involves robes, bow ties and ribbons. Find out more about matriculation and other ridiculous Oxford ceremonies first hand from students on our Free Oxford Walking Tour. Click here to find out more about Footprints’ Oxford Walking Tour!



 

Opening Times Subject To Change