Remembering the Radcliffe Infirmary

The Radcliffe Infirmary was at the heart of Oxford health care from 1770 to 2007, held a leading role in medical research, including the first clinical use of penicillin in 1941, and until its closure in 2007 occupied most of the Quarter. Working with the University the Friends want to celebrate the Infirmary’s history, highlight and conserve its heritage across the Quarter, and build an oral record of people’s memories of its special place in Oxford’s story.

Community and Quarter Together

Since 2007 the University of Oxford has transformed the Radcliffe Infirmary site, conserving and re-using its historic buildings and delivering innovative new architecture.  The Quarter is now home to many University departments with Green Templeton and Somerville colleges as neighbours. The Schwarzman Humanities building, due to open in 2025, will have state-of-the-art exhibition and performance spaces open to the wider community. The Friends are keen to develop community arts, green and academic engagement with Quarter departments.

Latest news

Radcliffe nurses reflect at the end of an era

On Saturday, 28 June, the Radcliffe Guild of Nurses reached its centenary anniversary – and will now fold due to lack of members. The first meeting of the Radcliffe Guild of Nurses was held in the Committee Room of the Radcliffe Infirmary on the 16th of June 1925. There were 22 members present at that…

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