The local group of the Society of Bookbinders visited the library of Gloucester Cathedral today. I know the cathedral well as we used to live 7 miles north of Gloucester. But I had no idea it had a library nor where it was. The entrance is through a small door in a pillar by the North choir and the spiral stone staircase goes up and up and up until suddenly you enter the library. It is parallel to the north choir and is very early (14th century ) with a glorious roof.
This is looking back from about half way down the library. The cardboard boxes all contain valuable items which need something doing to them.
Like these documents about rentals - note the earliest date is 1684.
And this is clearly needs some TLC. Note that it has its own cushion to rest on.
This is the librarian's desk, complete with computer, printer, files of paper - and a 17th century oak chair!!
The upper book has an embroidered cover, 16th century Book of Psalms, while the lower one is a Coverdale bible which is the cathedral's most valuable book. It is dated 1536. They do have a printed book which is pre-1500 printed by Wynkyn de Worde and Caxton.
And here is some of the stonework in the choir. I had forgotten what a glorious building Gloucester is. One of the finest English cathedrals. Hereford and Worcester are earlier and short and squat but Gloucester soars and the Great Window is truly great.
and the chair has a very special cushion, too, I see... when, who, why?
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