At this time, Oxford University’s printing was conducted in the Sheldonian Theatre, managed by John Fell (Dean of Christ Church College and former Vice Chancellor to the University). A Great Charter of 1636, granted by Charles I to Oxford University, had allowed Oxford the privilege to print bibles and prayer books but this was not implemented until John Fell took over the lease to print bibles in the 1670s. Financial input for the first printing came from Fell’s partner, Thomas Yate, Principal of Brasenose College.

The first Bible was a crown quarto English bible, one of the sizes allowed by the Great Charter. It was printed using long primer (a specific size of type in traditional printing, approximately 18 points in height) and brevier (a standard 8 point height). The Bible was in the press by July 1674 but sections were still being set by the end of that year, by two compositors working at a rate of 30 shillings per quire, and it was fully printed in early 1675. The correcter, William Foster of Christ Church, billed for work on around 4,500 copies which suggests a print run of 5000.

The title pages of both the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Common Prayer were fine engraved works, most likely cut by Michael Burghers, one of which can be seen here.