28 discoverbritainmag.comWorking at the Bodleian Libraries is a real joy.
The best bit of my job is being part of someone’s visit
to, and experience of, Oxford – albeit a small one. It’s
a privilege to show people the library and share with
them the history and stories – and wonderful smell!The Duke Humfrey’s Library is my favourite part.
To walk in the footsteps of Sir Christopher Wren,
JRR Tolkien and King Charles I is a dream job. I have
had some visitors who are so in awe of the space that
they are brought to tears.My favourite Bodleian Libraries story dates back to- Thomas James was appointed its first librarian
and his wife, Ann, worried about him working in
such a cold environment. The library had no heating
then, so she used to bring in a hot house brick for
him to warm his feet on.
I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents
in Northumberland as a child. It is such a beautiful
area with wonderful beaches and historic castles.
I often went to Hampshire as well. Since having my
own children, we have often been back to visit the
New Forest National Park, Mudeford Beach and
the pretty town of Lymington.I have a deep love for old churches and cathedrals.
I am working towards a degree in religious studies
and classical studies, so visiting heritage sites is both
work and play for me. I visited Wells and Gloucester
Cathedrals last year and I am hoping to visit ones in
Hereford and York soon.Oxford’s most underrated place is St Mary’s Church.
The church’s architecture and history itself is stunning
but my favourite thing to do when there is climb the
13th-century tower and enjoy the 360-degree views. ■
Tours of Bodleian Libraries are available to book
online at http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.ukLucy Gibson
Front of House Supervisor,
Bodleian LibrariesMY BRITAIN
Portrait by Gareth Iwan Jones
Lucy browses the shelves
of Duke Humfrey’s Library,
the oldest reading room in
Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries28 discoverbritainmag.com
Working at the Bodleian Libraries is a real joy.
The best bit of my job is being part of someone’s visit
to, and experience of, Oxford – albeit a small one. It’s
a privilege to show people the library and share with
them the history and stories – and wonderful smell!
The Duke Humfrey’s Library is my favourite part.
To walk in the footsteps of Sir Christopher Wren,
JRR Tolkien and King Charles I is a dream job. I have
had some visitors who are so in awe of the space that
they are brought to tears.
My favourite Bodleian Libraries story dates back to
- Thomas James was appointed its first librarian
and his wife, Ann, worried about him working in
such a cold environment. The library had no heating
then, so she used to bring in a hot house brick for
him to warm his feet on.
I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents
in Northumberland as a child. It is such a beautiful
area with wonderful beaches and historic castles.
I often went to Hampshire as well. Since having my
own children, we have often been back to visit the
New Forest National Park, Mudeford Beach and
the pretty town of Lymington.
I have a deep love for old churches and cathedrals.
I am working towards a degree in religious studies
and classical studies, so visiting heritage sites is both
work and play for me. I visited Wells and Gloucester
Cathedrals last year and I am hoping to visit ones in
Hereford and York soon.
Oxford’s most underrated place is St Mary’s Church.
The church’s architecture and history itself is stunning
but my favourite thing to do when there is climb the
13th-century tower and enjoy the 360-degree views. ■
Tours of Bodleian Libraries are available to book
online at http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Lucy Gibson
Front of House Supervisor,
Bodleian Libraries
MY BRITAIN
Portrait by Gareth Iwan Jones
Lucy browses the shelves
of Duke Humfrey’s Library,
the oldest reading room in
Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries