Convocation House facts for kids

The inside of Convocation House. It was once a meeting place for the English Parliament during the English Civil War.

The outside of Convocation House, seen from the north. The Sheldonian Theatre is on the left, and the Old Ashmolean is on the right.

Convocation House is a historic building in Oxford, England. It is part of the famous University of Oxford. This old building was constructed between 1634 and 1637. It is the lower floor of a newer part added to the Bodleian Library and the Divinity School. Convocation House is right next to the Divinity School and the Sheldonian Theatre.

History of Convocation House

Early Days in the 1600s

The whole western part of the building was first called Selden End. This name honored John Selden, a lawyer who gave many books to the Bodleian Library. These books are kept in the library rooms above Convocation House.

In the 1600s, Convocation House had a very important role. During the time of King Charles II, it was used by the English Parliament. Members of Parliament who supported the King met here in 1665 and 1681. The beautiful stone ceiling you see today was added much later, between 1758 and 1759.

What Convocation House is Used for Today

Today, Convocation House is still a busy place. It is mainly used for meetings of the University of Oxford's Convocation. This is a special group that helps run the university.

The building can also be rented for different events. People can have civil weddings and partnership ceremonies here. It is also a popular spot for wedding receptions and conferences.