1-152-886 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Tower of Franciscan friary, Oxford, 1788. The tower housed the study of Roger Bacon (c1214-1292), English experimental scientist, philosopher and Franciscan friar. Bacon was known as 'Doctor Mirabilis' due to his interest in magic and alchemy, the pursuit of which led ultimately to his being expelled from the Franciscan order. He experimented with optics and lenses, leading to the development of spectacles.