Duke Humphrey’s Library

Of the five reading rooms that make up the Bodleian Library, Duke Humphrey’s Library is the oldest, dating back to 1450. The library takes its name from Humphrey of Lancaster, the 1st Duke of Gloucester and youngest son of King Henry IV. The Duke died in 1447 and left his collection of literature to the University, who had to extend the library in order to accommodate it. The room consists of three sections - the medieval section, the Arts End and the Selden End. The library may be most recognised from the Harry Potter series, where Harry dons an invisibility cloak to explore the Hogwarts library at night. The only way to see the library for yourself is through a guided tour at £5 per person.