Oxford's Bodleian Library holds over 13 million items, but its origins were nearly lost.

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1602, the Bodleian Library is one of Europe's oldest research institutions. While it now houses millions of treasures, from Gutenberg Bibles to Mary Shelley's original Frankenstein drafts, the library's history is marked by a dramatic decline in the 16th century that nearly erased its entire medieval collection.

The Bodleian Library's story is one of survival and revival. While its current incarnation dates to 1602, when Sir Thomas Bodley re-established the university library, the institution's roots trace back to the 14th century. By the late 16th century, however, the library had fallen into severe decline. Its furniture was sold off, and only three books from the original collection of Duke Humphrey remained. A purge of manuscripts deemed 'superstitious' during the reign of Edward VI further decimated the holdings.

Bodley, a former fellow of Merton College, stepped in to reverse this decay. His efforts transformed the library into a global repository. Today, the Bodleian holds the largest collection of western incunabula—books printed before 1501—in any university library, totaling over 5,600 editions. The collection grew through centuries of strategic acquisitions and bequests, including the 17th-century donations of William Laud and Elias Ashmole, and the 19th-century additions of Francis Douce and Matteo Luigi Canonici.

Beyond printed books, the library preserves a vast array of human history. Its collections include over 800 pieces of printed ephemera, such as playbills and advertisements, and over 500 portraits. The library also maintains a significant collection of Arabic manuscripts, including a 14th-century copy of the Fables of Bidpai. To access these materials, readers must still agree to a formal declaration, a tradition that replaces the historical oral oath, ensuring the preservation of these objects for future generations.

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