The Sheldonian Theatre is sited at the east end of Broad Street and forms part of the group of University buildings which mark the historic and ceremonial heart of Oxford University. The Sheldonian was built to a design by Christopher Wren between 1664 and 1669, is Grade I listed and was described in 1994 by the European Commission as ‘one of the architectural jewels of Oxford’. The Sheldonian Theatre was originally designed as, and remains to this day, the principal
assembly room of the University, and the regular meeting-place of Congregation, the body of resident Masters of Arts which controls the University’s affairs. The building was also originally designed to accommodate the University Press, (who subsequently relocated to the neighbouring Clarendon Building in 1713). It was constructed between 1664 and 1669, funded by Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later Archbishop of Canterbury, and was the first major design of Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723).