OXFORD: Classicist and TV historian Professor Mary Beard has been handed the Bodleian Libraries' highest honour.

Professor Beard was given the Bodley Medal following her talk at the Oxford Literary Festival.

She appeared in conversation with Bodley's Librarian Richard Ovenden about spoke about her latest book, SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, and her role as an outspoken female academic.

At the end of the talk on Tuesday she was presented with the award, which is handed out by the libraries to people whop have made outstanding contributions to areas with which the Bodleian is closely connected.