Hereford Cathedral Library, Cathedral library in Hereford, England.
Hereford Cathedral Library is a cathedral library in Hereford that holds around 1500 books spanning the 15th to 19th centuries. The volumes remain secured with chains, rods, and locks in their original arrangement from centuries past.
The library was founded in the 12th century, though the current chained system was arranged in 1611 by Thomas Thornton, a canon and Oxford University vice-chancellor. This security method kept valuable books from being removed from the collection.
The library holds the Hereford Gospels from 780, an Anglo-Saxon manuscript that survived the cathedral fire of 1055. This precious work shows the long connection between the cathedral and the religious texts that shaped the region.
The library sits in the New Library Building near Palace Yard and opens Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Wheelchair access is available, making visits easier for people with mobility needs.
Each book features a chain attached to its front cover that connects to a rod running along the shelf. This setup allows readers to study the volumes at nearby desks while keeping them from being taken away.
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