Saturday morning, Ken and I
walked to the Sheldonian Theatre, to attend Sam’s graduation ceremony, the
special purpose of this trip. Sam
received his DPhil International Relations (PhD) as a graduate of Christ Church
Collage.
From
the Sheldonian Theatre website: “Elegant and strong in design, marvellously
rich in craftsmanship, the Theatre has admirably served its purpose for nearly
over 350 years, and today still provides a dignified and superb setting
for ceremonial occasions.
Located in Oxford’s medieval city centre, the Sheldonian Theatre
is the principal assembly room of the University, and the regular meeting place
of Congregation, the body which controls the University’s affairs. All public
ceremonies of the University are performed here, notably the annual Encaenia.
"The University acquired the site soon after the
Restoration, and in 1664 to 1669 the present theatre was erected. Gilbert
Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury and a former Warden of All Souls, met the
entire cost of the build and so gave his name to the building.
The architect was a young Christopher Wren, then Professor of
Astronomy at Oxford, with as yet little practical experience of building.
Inspired by drawings of Roman theatres, he adopted their D-shaped plan.
However, the open arena of Rome, unsuited to the English climate, had to be
covered.”
The PhD graduates paraded
into the Theatre, were presented to the Vice- Chancellor and then after other students
received their certificates, the PhD graduates paraded in again, this time in
their red/navy gowns signifying their doctorate status. Very impressive.
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| Sam, shaking hand of Vice-chancellor |
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