Readers Guide

A researcher working in the working library

Magna Carta

Reading Room
The Reading Room is freely available to anyone during opening hours for private study and consultation of the modern collections and finding aids. It is equipped for the use of personal computers, and has a microfilm reader, photocopying facilities, and disabled access.

Access for Research
We welcome enquiries on all subjects relating to our holdings and to the history of the cathedral, including requests for photographic images.

To consult the historic collections and archives, advance notice, preferably in writing, is advisable. A letter of recommendation is required for access to the medieval manuscript books.

Modern Library
The modern lending and reference library is on open access in the Reading Room. It is mainly theological, but is also rich in local history, general and church history, biography, decorative arts, architecture and music.

Historic Collections
The historic collections comprise all of the medieval manuscript books, 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.

Archives
The Cathedral Archives consist of the records of the Dean and Chapter documenting the history of the cathedral and its considerable property throughout the county from the early Middle Ages until the present day. The collection includes title deeds, manorial and ecclesiastical court records, minutes, accounts, maps, architectural drawings and personal papers.

NB The Library does NOT hold archives of the Bishop which are available with the other diocesan records at Herefordshire County Record Office.

Borrowing
Membership of the library is free and members may borrow up to six books for up to two months from the Lending Library. If you would like to join the Library, please either download the Membership Form and send it with your cheque to the Librarian, or visit the Library during our opening hours.

If you wish to become a member please print and return the membership form.

For further information please contact:

The Librarian
Hereford Cathedral
Hereford
HR1 2NG

Tel. 01432 374226/5
Fax 01432 374220.

Click here to e-mail the Library.