Lincoln Cathedral Library

Lincoln Cathedral Library is a cathedral library in Lincoln, England, housing a collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books. The materials are split between two reading rooms, with one situated within a historic stone archway and another in an early twentieth-century extension.

This library was founded in 1422 and served as a chained collection for the cathedral's clergy over several centuries. The building itself was constructed in 1660 by a prominent architect of the period and remains one of the few surviving examples of its kind.

The collection reflects the library's role as a repository of knowledge for medieval cathedral clergy and scholars who studied and copied texts here. The manuscripts and printed books show how learning was valued and preserved within this religious community over centuries.

To use the collection, visitors should arrange access in advance, as the reading rooms have limited availability and specific hours. Accessibility varies across the different areas, so checking ahead about conditions is recommended.

The building was designed by one of the most celebrated English architects of the 1600s and is one of only two surviving examples of its kind in the country. The original reading desks from the medieval period remain in their original positions.

Part of: Lincoln Cathedral

GPS coordinates: 53.23480,-0.53580

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:42