Wren Library, Library building at Trinity College, Cambridge, England
Wren Library is a library building at Trinity College designed with columns on the ground floor and expansive windows facing the interior courtyard. The main reading room benefits from daylight throughout the day and maintains a clean, proportioned aesthetic.
Christopher Wren designed the building in 1676 following a request from rector Isaac Barrow and finished construction in 1695. The project was completed at no cost to the college, as Wren declined payment.
The collection reflects centuries of accumulated learning through manuscripts, rare books, and personal writings from influential figures. These materials remain at the center of how the college understands its intellectual traditions.
Access is available Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m., reached through Brewhouse Gate at the end of Garret Hostel Lane. These limited hours mean visiting requires some planning ahead.
The collection includes personal notebooks and handwritten manuscripts from prominent thinkers as well as literary works rarely seen publicly. These private documents offer an intimate look at how scholars and writers developed their ideas.
Location: Cambridge
Inception: 1695
Part of: Trinity College, the Buildings Surrounding Great Court, Nevile's Court and New Court, and Including King's Hostel
GPS coordinates: 52.20710,0.11490
Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40
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Trinity College Chapel
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Nevile's Court, Trinity College, Cambridge
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Garret Hostel Bridge Between Clare Bridge And Trinity Bridge On The Cam
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Trinity College Clock
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St John's College, The Buildings Surrounding The First, Second And Third Courts
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Squire Law Library
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Trinity College, the Buildings Surrounding Great Court, Nevile's Court and New Court, and Including King's Hostel
87 m
Trinity Hall, Boundary Wall On Garret Hostel Lane
129 m
St John's College, Old Bridge
112 m
Fountain In Great Court, Trinity College
136 m
Trinity College, L Shaped Wall On River Front In South West Portion Of The Garden, Abutting On Garrett Hostel Lane
133 m
St John's College, New Court
189 m
St Johns' College, Bridge Over Bin Brook Between Trinity And St John's Backs
71 m
Gonville And Caius College, Wall Of Master's Garden Fronting Trinity Hall Lane
171 m
Gonville And Caius College, The Buildings Surrounding Gonville Court And Caius Court Including The Hall, Chapel, Master's Lodge
192 m
National Westminster Bank, 26 Trinity Street
208 m
St John's College, Gateway To St John's Street To South Of The College Buildings
196 m
Trinity College Bridge
90 m
St John's College, High Walk Bridge Over Bin Brook
201 m
Angel Court
195 m
St John's College, Gateway And Piers Adjoining The Old Bridge
118 m
Trinity College, Field Gates To Queen's Road
200 m
Trinity College, Sundial In Great Court
134 m
Trinity Hall, Gatehouse Building
122 m
St John's College, Gateway To Kitchen Yard To East Of Old Bridge
129 m
Trinity Hall, Waterhouse Building
193 m
Trinity College, Two Lamp Standards Outside The Great Gate On Trinity Street
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