Generally, we don’t think of proposing as a bold move, as of course that lucky person is going to say yes! But choosing to pop the question is a brave. Firstly, you need to think about how you are going to word your proposal, then you need to consider where you will say those very important words. Before we fill you with utter dread, there is no right or wrong way to propose to your special soulmate. Everyone has different ways about going about it, and you’ll hear plenty of well-meaning advice from friends and family too. We’re just here to suggest a few places at the Bodleian Libraries where it might be quite nice to get down on one knee. Although, maybe avoid doing this on the cobbles!
Divinity School
Of course we were going to mention the Divinity School first, one of the oldest rooms still in use by the University of Oxford, although it certainly doesn’t look at day over 600! The Divinity School is regarded as a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and today in the UK you really won’t find many spaces like it – making it a truly unique spot for a romantic proposal.
One of the most stunning aspects of the Divinity School is the ceiling, there are 455 bosses (a technical word for the carvings) on the ceiling, each with their own meaning attached to them as well. Once you both embrace as a happy couple, why not take a moment to spot the Green Man or find the royal crest of King Edward IV (clue: look in the middle, his has a crown on top).
The Divinity School is of course known for its use in the Harry Potter films (Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Goblet of Fire), so it’s also a fantastic place for any Potterheads as well. Outside of its use in films, the Divinity School is also where students at the University of Oxford don their academic gowns ahead of their Matriculation (entering University) and Graduation ceremonies in the Sheldonian Theatre. Thus, the Divinity School is the perfect place to propose for couples who met at University!
Duke Humfrey’s Library
If you’re thinking of proposing at the Bodleian Library, why not pop the question surrounded by centuries-old books? Duke Humfrey’s Library is the Bodleian in a nutshell, an ancient atmospheric place of knowledge and beauty. Although the original space dates from the 1400s, much of what you see including the painted ceiling and bookshelves are in fact from Thomas Bodley’s time, so the late 1590s – 1600s. What many people don’t know is that Thomas Bodley was able to finance the founding of the Bodleian Library through his marriage to the wealthy widow Ann Ball – a happy marriage where Thomas was a stepfather to her children.
Thomas and Ann aren’t the only couple with a connection to the Duke Humfrey’s Library, if you look at the portraits which align the walls of the Library – you might spot two portraits which are very close to each other, these two are Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham. The Wadham’s are the namesake of nearby Wadham College, Nicholas stressed in his will that he wanted his wealth to found a new College and Dorothy sought to see his wishes were fulfilled. Interestingly, the portraits sit above two sets of wooden double doors, each of which was a secluded private reading room. At one point, these two reading rooms belonged to King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria whilst they were living in Oxford. Unlike many royal couples, Charles and Henrietta were a devoted couple to each other – so what not propose in a beautiful space which has so many hidden couple connections?
Convocation House
Walk through the Divinity School and you’ll come to the regal Convocation House. The Convocation House was built in the 1600s to house the Convocation, the original governing body of the University. All the wood in the Convocation House dates from that time, so it’s a true piece of Oxford history! This space was even used by two Kings, Charles I (we mentioned him before) and eventually his son, Charles II.
Today, the Convocation House is our usual location for weddings at the Bodleian. So, what’s more, is if you decide to get married at the Bodleian, you have the chance to document your engagement journey from this very space. From asking the question, to holding the hand of your loved one on your wedding day later, it really can be a magical place.
Wren Door
Hundreds of thousands of people have posed by the Wren door. If you’re wondering why it’s called the Wren Door, this is because it was constructed by Sir Christopher Wren, the same person who would eventually build St. Pauls Cathedral in London. So why not chose this ancient and beautiful piece of history to declare your love? It also provides a perfect frame for your engagement pictures and the gorgeous wooden doors offer a warm, textured backdrop.
Old Schools Quadrangle
The Old Schools Quadrangle (quite often shortened to the Quad) offers a beautiful and unique space to utter the words that you’ve been waiting to ask for so long. In the summer this space heaves with visitors, but rare days of stillness do crop up every now again (particularly in the winter months, i.e. engagement season). Leading on from these four walls are the North and South arches, alongside the iconic Great Gate. If you’re planning on going the extra mile and hiring a photographer for the day, these truly are the best spots to capture the magic.
Radcliffe Camera
This building is quintessentially Oxonian and seems to make its way into almost anything about Oxford. Even outside the building would just be such a magical place to get down on that knee. Try to pop the big question when there are fewer numbers of ogling visitors, luckily for you, engagement season is in the “off-peak” tourist months. Unless, of course, the thought of a big, public engagement makes you tingle with excitement; in that case, go for it!
If you want to have a truly magical moment, do get in contact with us and we can discuss the possibilities of arranging a proposal on the Radcliffe Camera Rooftop! And speaking of rooftops…
Weston Roof Top
From the old to the modern, the Weston Library is just across the street from the Old Bodleian and makes a fantastic alternative if the other options don’t seem to strike your fancy. The rooftop at the Weston Library has fantastic views of the Old Bodleian, Clarendon Building, Sheldonian Theatre as well as several of the nearby colleges – making this spot a fantastic place to propose with all the sights and sounds of Oxford around you!
After the Proposal
Afterwards, you’ll be feeling such an upswing of adrenaline having just gotten engaged that we’ll give you a few fun places to go to celebrate. Oxford is known for its iconic pub scene, and close by the Old Bodleian are some of the classics like Turf Tavern, King’s Arms, White Horse, or Lamb & Flag. Quite a few of these spots do get busy on the weekends so do see if you can book a table ahead of time. Likewise, Oxford also has plenty of restaurants and foodie spots. The nearby Westgate Shopping Centre has plenty of staples on their rooftop level, but do venture into the Oxford Covered Market or Gloucester Green Market if you would like something more al fresco, or wonder up to Little Clarendon Street to sample some amazing indie restaurants!
We hope as we move into Engagement Season you’ll think all about where to propose and if you want to do it at the Bodleian – please do get in touch with us!
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