The Historic Library

The historic Upper Library in Mob Quad is the oldest surviving library in Oxford and one of the oldest still-functioning academic libraries in Europe.  It was built in 1373-1378 to replace a library that had become too small to accommodate the growing collections of manuscript books. Originally furnished with lectern desks, the library was refurbished in the years 1589 to 1623 under Warden Henry Savile and was one of the first libraries in England to store books upright on horizontal shelves.

Today the Upper Library houses many of Merton’s early printed books, which are consulted by students and researchers from around the world. It also houses heritage treasures, such as medieval astronomical instruments, along with a changing exhibition of items from the Library and Archive Collections.

The Upper Library may be visited only by advance appointment or on public summer tours with a College guide. In order to enquire about visiting the historic Upper Library, please complete the Group Tour Request Form (please see our Visitor information page for more information) indicating that you are particularly interested in visiting the Upper Library.

Please note:

• The number of people permitted in the historic library at one time is limited, and larger groups should be prepared to discuss flexible timetabling.
• The scheduling of visits depends on staff commitments, and on college events that may be taking place.
• Group visits and tours are usually not possible during the final examination period (approximately April–end of June).

Stained Glass

You can find out more about the stained glass in the Upper Library on the Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi.

Making a Research Visit

If you would like to arrange a research visit to the Upper Library, please complete the research visit request form.

Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the library courtesy of Google Street View: