House of Lords Library, Parliamentary library in Westminster, London, United Kingdom.
The House of Lords Library is a specialized collection of legal texts, parliamentary documents, and research materials housed within the Palace of Westminster's historic chambers. It holds extensive law books, legislative records, and reference materials designed to support parliamentary work.
The library was established in 1826 with John Frederic Leary as its first librarian, focusing on law books for parliamentary reference. A turning point came in 1856 when a major private collection donation significantly expanded the holdings.
Members of the House of Lords use this space daily as a working library to access materials that support their parliamentary responsibilities. The room reflects this practical purpose, with specialized collections arranged for quick reference during legislative work.
Access is restricted to parliamentary users, with research services and digital resources available on site. It is advisable to inquire about available services in advance, as not all materials are freely accessible.
The collection includes materials gathered over centuries and rarely accessible to the general public. These specialized holdings document the evolution of English law and are of particular interest to those studying parliamentary history.
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