Situated between the High Street and Radcliffe Square, the University Church is at the heart of the University of Oxford and its rich history. In the twelfth century, the university used the building for lectures, degree ceremonies, and meetings of the Congregation - its governing body. In 1320, the Clore Old Library was constructed, and became the first ever library of the University of Oxford.

This rich history makes the University Church the ideal setting for your event in Oxford. Our three spaces, the Clore Old Library, the Chancel, and the Nave can accommodate a versatile range of events, including award ceremonies, drinks receptions, formal dinners, workshops and more.

To enquire about any events at the University Church, or to find out more about our venue, contact the Events and Marketing Officer, Hollie Goodwin, and events@universitychurch.ox.ac.uk.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ

This venue offers...

Dinner
Drinks Reception
Conference / Meeting
Lunch

Get in touch

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Did you know...

  • The oldest surviving part of the church is the iconic tower, dating from 1280
  • John Radcliffe, a major benefactor to the University of Oxford, is buried here
  • The first ever meeting of the charity Oxfam took place at the church in 1942
The Clore Old Library

The Clore Old Library

The Clore Old Library is one of the oldest purpose-built University buildings in Europe, and from 1317 to 1327, it housed house the first University Library of the University Oxford. Today, the Clore Old Library can be hired for a range of event types, including formal dining, seminars, and conference workshops.

Venue Capacity

  • 24 Boardroom
  • 44 Buffet
  • 20 Classroom
  • 44 Dining
  • 48 Theatre

Features

  • A/V screen for slide and video presentations
  • Lunchtime and formal dining catering
  • Speaker's lectern available for presentations
  • Flipchart
  • Wifi
  • Ideal views of the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square
The Nave

The Nave

The Nave of the University Church has played a vital part in the history of the University of Oxford ever since its inception; as the first building of the university, it was the meeting place of the university government, and was used for the first lectures and degree ceremonies. Today, the Nave is available for hire for live classical concerts, presentations, and drinks receptions.

Venue Capacity

  • 359 Concert
  • 400 Drinks receptions
  • 359 Drinks reception or evening presentation

Features

  • Microphone and A/V system available upon request
  • Piano and Organs available for classical concert use
  • Enquire about the possibility of a guided tour of the Nave and Church for your group
  • Drinks receptions available in the neighbouring Adam de Brome Chapel
The Chancel

The Chancel

A bright and peaceful part of the historic Church, remodelled in the style of a college Chapel in the 1460s. Today, the Chancel is the perfect space to host experiential sessions, workshops, and other more intimate gatherings.

Venue Capacity

  • 60 Other

Features

  • Microphone facilities
  • Teas, coffees, and other refreshments available for workshops
  • Excellent, intimate acoustic
  • The Clore Old Library

    The Clore Old Library

    The Clore Old Library is one of the oldest purpose-built University buildings in Europe, and from 1317 to 1327, it housed house the first University Library of the University Oxford. Today, the Clore Old Library can be hired for a range of event types, including formal dining, seminars, and conference workshops.

    Venue Capacity

    • 24 Boardroom
    • 44 Buffet
    • 20 Classroom
    • 44 Dining
    • 48 Theatre

    Features

    • A/V screen for slide and video presentations
    • Lunchtime and formal dining catering
    • Speaker's lectern available for presentations
    • Flipchart
    • Wifi
    • Ideal views of the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square
  • The Nave

    The Nave

    The Nave of the University Church has played a vital part in the history of the University of Oxford ever since its inception; as the first building of the university, it was the meeting place of the university government, and was used for the first lectures and degree ceremonies. Today, the Nave is available for hire for live classical concerts, presentations, and drinks receptions.

    Venue Capacity

    • 359 Concert
    • 400 Drinks receptions
    • 359 Drinks reception or evening presentation

    Features

    • Microphone and A/V system available upon request
    • Piano and Organs available for classical concert use
    • Enquire about the possibility of a guided tour of the Nave and Church for your group
    • Drinks receptions available in the neighbouring Adam de Brome Chapel
  • The Chancel

    The Chancel

    A bright and peaceful part of the historic Church, remodelled in the style of a college Chapel in the 1460s. Today, the Chancel is the perfect space to host experiential sessions, workshops, and other more intimate gatherings.

    Venue Capacity

    • 60 Other

    Features

    • Microphone facilities
    • Teas, coffees, and other refreshments available for workshops
    • Excellent, intimate acoustic
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