The construction of this building was carried out thanks to the inheritance received by the English physician John Radcliffe, who intended to create an observatory and a library in Oxford. James Gibbs was responsible for the design and the works lasted from 1737 to 1749, when it was inaugurated. In its beginnings the Radcliffe Library was independent, however, in the middle of the 19th century it was decided to integrate it into the university, being part of the Bodleian Library from then on. It is currently used as a reading room and is known as the Radcliffe Chamber.