Cathedral Library

Library & Archives Closure

We are sorry but the Cathedral Library & Archives are currently closed. We will reopen to the general public in our new premises later this year.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience the closure will cause you.
We are going to do our best to continue to answer any enquiries. You can contact us as follows:-

Cathedral Library
Peter Thomas or Stuart Macwilliam
Email: library@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Tel: 01392 495954

Cathedral Archives:

Ellie Jones
Email: archive@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Tel: 01392 495954

Canon Librarian:

Ann Barwood
Email: amb@exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Tel: 07528 609715

The Story

The Library of the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral was founded in the 11th Century with books from Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter. It has gone through various changes in location, contents and status over the centuries and we are now beginning the next Chapter.

The Cathedral Library and Archives are beneficiaries of £1m+ from the Third Millennium Campaign to begin to secure the Library and Archives for the future.

In 2001 after a period of 50 years, Exeter University had to withdraw their management support. Several options as to the future of the Library and Archives were considered and re-considered over the next 7 years.

The Library and Archive Team were from day one very clear about their responsibilities:-

• To safeguard our heritage -

•     the oldest library and archives in the South West
•     collections of the highest national and international importance and of outstanding significance to our national heritage

• To safeguard a grade 1 listed building in which we have found more medieval  stone work remaining than was  thought in the 1950's
• To provide quality access to all.

An inspection report conducted by the National Archives and a preservation survey conducted by the British Library were commissioned to add to our own assessment of the situation.

Everyone came to the same conclusions that the current areas occupied by the library and archives were inadequate, they lacked suitable environmental storage for the documents, there was only very limited space for readers and staff, and  the number of visitors at any one time was limited.

The outcome has been to:-

• Locate the library and archives in one building
• Provide sustainable environmental management for the collections
• Improve access to the documents and records, for scholars, readers and the general public.

What is happening during 2011?

The Library and Archives are to be brought together within the West Wing of the Bishops Palace providing:-

• archive storage to meet BS5454 - environmentally controlled room with metal roller racking shelving
• level access - lift to all floors
• enhanced fire and physical security
• replacement of failing heating and electrical systems
• improved reading and learning area
• improved accommodation for the professional staff

During the closure some exhibition panels will be in the Cathedral and a full account of the library and archives 'The Library and Archives of Exeter Cathedral' by LJ Lloyd and Audrey Erskin, 3^rd edition (reprinted Exeter 2009); ISBN 0-9548695-0-8 is available from the Cathedral Shop.

2012 and beyond.

A financial business plan is being developed to support our aim to offer lectures, workshops, an online catalogue and online learning. There is also a need to continue our conservation and preservation programme and to digitise more of the most interesting documents in our care.

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