Accessing the Cathedral Library's local and other collections

RESEARCH FACILITIES AT LINCOLN CATHEDRAL LIBRARY

The Medieval Manuscripts

The 260 medieval manuscripts range in date from the tenth to the early sixteenth century, and include works on theology, sermons, devotional books, and Biblical commentaries, as well as an important collection of Middle English texts. Further information can be found in the Catalogue of the Manuscripts of Lincoln Cathedral Chapter Library by R. M. Thomson (Cambridge, 1989). Most of the manuscripts have been microfilmed; details are available from the Librarian.

The Early Printed Books

The Cathedral Library has approximately 10,000 pre-1801 printed books, of which about half were bequeathed by the Library’s greatest benefactor, Michael Honywood (Dean of Lincoln, 1660-1681). In 1674, Honywood commissioned Christopher Wren to design a new library, over the then ruinous north walk of the Cloisters, to house his magnificent collection. Dating from Honywood’s own time is an outstanding group of 17th century broadsides, tracts, proclamations and newspapers; microfilm copies of these are available. Other subjects include antiquities, geography, travel, medicine, literature and theology, in many different languages. Information about these books can be found in Clive Hurst’s Catalogue of the Wren Library of Lincoln Cathedral (Cambridge University Press, 1982; reprinted 2005).

Access to Manuscripts and Rare Books

Applications to study the manuscripts or early printed books are made in writing to the Cathedral Librarian at Lincoln, stating the subject and purpose of the research. An academic letter of introduction is required. This must be submitted with the letter of application. Once permission has been arranged to consult manuscripts or rare books, the reader can make an appointment to do so in the Reading Room.

The Modern Reference Collection

The modern collection includes material concerning the history of the cathedral and diocese of Lincoln, theological reference works, nineteenth-century theological tracts, ecclesiastical history and biography, church and cathedral art and architecture, historical and architectural journals, and bibliographical and biographical reference books. In addition, there is part of the E. J. Willson collection of architectural drawings.

The Reading Room

The Reading Room is normally open by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 2.00 to 4.00. There is no charge for using the Reading Room. New readers are requested to complete a registration form. Pencils must be used for taking notes. Please note that the Reading Room, Wren and Medieval Libraries are on the first floor. It is regretted that at present there is no disabled access.

Research Service

If it is not possible to undertake research in person, there are two services available, which are provided at the discretion of the Librarian:

• A specific search of a single document, for a charge of £10, inclusive of VAT
• Research taking up to one hour, at £30, inclusive of VAT

For further information, please contact:

Dr Nicholas Bennett, Vice-Chancellor and Librarian

e-mail: librarian@lincolncathedral.com