Worcester Cathedral Library

Worcester Cathedral Library has been collecting books since Anglo-Saxon times and is currently located in a fifteenth century room in the cathedral.

The medieval library contains 285 medieval manuscripts, and a large collection of manuscript fragments and documents. Many of the manuscripts are still in their original bindings.  

The collection is particularly strong in the area of “schools” books which are academic manuscripts that the monks took with them when they went to study at the University of Oxford. The monks studied theology but also subjects such as medicine, law, and mathematics. Many of the manuscripts were made by the Worcester monks.

In 2001 Professor Rodney Thomson produced a new catalogue of the medieval manuscripts published by D.S. Brewer. There are also 5,600 post-reformation books collected by the Dean and Chapter and by several Bishops of Worcester on a variety of topics from anatomy to travel. The cathedral library has close links with other local cathedral libraries, the Hurd Library, and the Special Collections department at the University of Worcester, as well as the Inspire network of libraries in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.   

The cathedral archive holds around 19,000 documents from medieval to modern times to do with the cathedral. The library also holds some archaeological artefacts, medieval vestment fragments, and some relics of King John. Although most of the manuscripts and books have not been digitized it is possible for scholars unable to visit to order digital images and microfilms.

The library is open by appointment for scholars, students, and local and family history researchers. Tours of the library can also be arranged by interested groups and individuals by appointment.

Visit the website to learn more or contact:

The Librarian/ archivist
The Chapter Office,
8 College Yard,
Worcester.
WR1 2LA.

Tel: 01905 732922
E-mail; davidmorrison@worcestercathedral.org.uk

website: http://www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/index.php?pr="Library