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The Library and Archives

Located in the award-winning New Library Building, Hereford Cathedral Library and Archives provide a unique research facility for readers and scholars of all levels.

The Modern Lending and Reference Collection
This contains about 7,000 volumes and is on open access in the Reading Room on the second floor of the New Library Building. The lending library is mainly theological, with particular emphasis on biblical studies, general theology and church history. The reference library includes ecclesiology, more general history, bibliography, periodicals and a local collection focusing on the cathedral, city and diocese of Hereford.

The Historic Collections
These collections include all the books in the Chained Library as well as unchained books, and comprise the medieval manuscripts, the early printed (pre-1801) books, some of the 19th century books, the manuscript and printed music formerly used by the Cathedral choir and organist, and prints, drawings and photographic materials.

The Cathedral Archives
These contain all of the administrative records and title deeds of the cathedral's endowments and of the charities administered by the Dean & Chapter, from the early Middle Ages until the present day: also the documents of the Dean's Peculiar Jurisdiction covering twenty-seven parishes, mainly being the Dean's records of the cases heard in the Consistory Court. The wills proved there are housed with the registers and other records of the constituent parishes in the Herefordshire Record Office.

Access for Readers
Items on open access may be consulted in the Reading Room during opening hours without appointment. The historic collections and archives are available by appointment to students and scholars engaged in historical research. Such readers should initially contact the Librarian or Archivist in writing.
* Please give as much advance notice as possible, and please note that at least one day's notice is required for the production of items from the historic collections. (A letter of recommendation may sometimes be required.)

Opening Times
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10.00am - 4.00pm  1st Saturday in each month: 10.00am - 12.30pm

Membership
Anyone may use the Reading Room for study without charge during opening hours. Full membership costs £6 per year; members may borrow up to 6 books at a time for up to 2 months from the lending library.
Please apply at the library during opening hours.

Copyright © Mappa Mundi 2002