London is a city with a rich history and culture, and it also boasts some of the oldest libraries in existence. These libraries not only house vast collections of books and manuscripts but are also architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. They act as guardians of the written word and have been central to the intellectual growth of scholars, students, and the public for centuries.
In this article, we take a stroll through the hallowed halls of London’s oldest libraries, discovering each one’s unique story and their significant contributions to the world of literature, science, and the arts.
Oldest Libraries in London
1. The British Library
The British Library, known as one of the leading research libraries globally, traces its origins back to the foundation of the British Museum in 1753. Despite its name, the current British Library was only formally established in 1973 when the library departments of the British Museum became separate. It boasts over 150 million items, ranging from manuscripts to maps, and encompasses nearly every known language.
Two of its most prized possessions are the Magna Carta and the Lindisfarne Gospels. This impressive institution is not only a hub for researchers but also a center for cultural events and exhibitions.
2. The Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library, located in Oxford but associated with London due to its proximity and importance, often makes the list of oldest libraries. Established in 1602, it is one of the oldest libraries in Europe.
As the main research library of the University of Oxford, the Bodleian holds over 12 million items and has been a legal deposit library for centuries. Noteworthy items include four copies of the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio. Renowned for its historic reading rooms and architecture, the Bodleian continues to be a beacon for scholars worldwide.
3. Lambeth Palace Library
Lambeth Palace Library, founded in 1610, is the official library of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It holds a significant collection of religious documents, including the 11th-century MacDurnan Gospels and manuscripts from the early medieval period. Its holdings are essential for the study of ecclesiastical history and Anglicanism.
Located in Lambeth Palace, the library is both an invaluable scholarly resource and a monument steeped in history. In 2020, it moved to a new building that will ensure the preservation and accessibility of its collections for future generations.
4. The Chetham’s Library
Founded in 1653, The Chetham’s Library in Manchester is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. As the library primarily caters to research and study, the general public can also explore its historic collections by appointment. Within its walls, you’ll find a collection emphasizing the history and topography of Greater Manchester.
Famously, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels studied here, and it’s believed that their time at Chetham’s influenced Engels’ work, “The Condition of the Working Class in England.” The library’s atmospheric interiors and timbered reading room provide a true sense of historical continuity.
5. Dr. Williams’s Library
Dr. Williams’s Library is a hidden treasure among London’s libraries, founded in 1729 following the death of its namesake, Dr. Daniel Williams. It is particularly focused on Protestant nonconformist history and theology, offering a wealth of religious works, historical texts, and rare manuscripts. The library’s vast collection has been an indispensable resource for researchers of 17th and 18th-century English history.
With its beautifully preserved reading room, scholars can delve into its holdings in a serene and contemplative environment. Notably, it also houses an impressive collection of early printed works.
6. The London Library
Since its inception in 1841, The London Library in St. James’s Square has been an iconic presence in the literary world. It was founded by Thomas Carlyle, who was frustrated by the British Museum Library’s strict policies. As one of the world’s largest independent lending libraries, it holds over one million volumes spanning more than two millennia of publishing.
Luminaries such as Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and Lord Byron were all members here. The library’s eclectic mix of books and its traditional yet timeless atmosphere make it a sanctuary for readers and writers alike.
7. Guildhall Library
The Guildhall Library, established in 1425, is the library of the City of London Corporation and specializes in the history of London. The collection is free for use by researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the capital’s past. Its holdings cover various subjects such as food and wine, clock and watchmaking, and London-focused literature.
The library is also custodian to the original manuscripts of the John Keats poetry collection and the first edition of Shakespeare’s “First Folio.” Nestled within the historic Guildhall building, the library is itself a piece of London’s heritage.
8. Middle Temple Library
Founded in 1641, Middle Temple Library is one of the four ancient Inns of Court libraries, exclusively serving the members of the Middle Temple—one of the barrister’s Inns that also function as professional associations for judges and lawyers in England. The library’s extensive law collection is a vital resource for legal professionals. The highlights include a Shakespeare First Folio and volumes of legal texts dating back to the 1500s. Its historic interiors are crowned by a stunning Elizabethan hall.
While not open to the general public, the library offers a glimpse into the world of legal scholarship and practice.
9. Bishopsgate Library
Established in 1895, Bishopsgate Library is nestled in the Bishopsgate Institute. It specializes in the history of London, labor and socialist history, free thought, and humanism. The library’s rich collection includes numerous ephemera, pamphlets, and posters dating back to the 19th century. Notable parts of the collection are the archives of the Cooperative Movement, the Playbills collection, and the Charles Booth Archives.
As an independent library, it opens its doors to everyone seeking knowledge about the social, cultural, and political history of London.
10. All Souls College Library
Last but not least on our list is the library at All Souls College, University of Oxford. The college itself was founded in 1438, with the current Codrington Library named after its major benefactor, Christopher Codrington, who bequeathed his books and a significant sum of money for building a new library in 1710. It houses collections of international importance, including specialties in history, law, and social sciences.
Although a part of the Oxford University system, it represents one of the oldest continuous library foundations in London’s wider sphere of influence. The library’s emphasis on sustaining a comprehensive and historical collection underlines its ongoing dedication to academia.
FAQs
What qualifications do you need to access The British Library?
To access The British Library’s Reading Rooms, you need to apply for a Reader Pass. This pass requires you to show that you need to consult the library’s materials for your research, study, or business needs. You need to provide identification and proof of address when registering.
How can you visit the Lambeth Palace Library?
The Lambeth Palace Library’s new facility is open to the public for pre-booked guided tours. Researchers may access its collections by appointment, and it also holds regular exhibitions and events that are open to the general public.
Are there any libraries in this list that allow borrowing of books?
Yes, The London Library is one of the world’s largest independent lending libraries. Members can borrow books from its extensive collection, which features volumes ranging across 2,000 years of literature.
Does every library in London require a membership or pass to enter?
Not all libraries require membership or special passes. For instance, the Bishopsgate Library and the Guildhall Library are open to the public without the need for a membership. However, specialized collections within such libraries might only be accessed by appointment or with certain qualifications.
Conclusion
The magnificent libraries of London are far more than mere storage spaces for books; they are the pulsating hearts of scholarly pursuit, cultural inheritance, and architectural grandeur. Each with its own unique identity and historical background, these libraries have served as sanctuaries of knowledge for the insatiably curious across the ages. They stand as testaments to the relentless human endeavor to learn, preserve, and pass on wisdom from one generation to the next.
While libraries continue to evolve in the digital age, these historic institutions remain priceless jewels in London’s illustrious crown, forever enchanting those who walk through their venerable doors in search of enlightenment.