Hereford Cathedral Library and Archives is a unique research facility for readers and scholars curated over hundreds of years. It includes an historic collection of medieval manuscripts, early printed books and an archive of cathedral activities from medieval times to the present.
The cathedral’s reference library has a local history collection, the books of Hereford Cathedral and All Saints’ Church, Hereford’s chained libraries, and the Cwm collection of 17th century Jesuit books. The lending library has over 4,000 modern books on religion and theology. Search the cathedral’s online catalogue for more.
The Hurd Library was founded in 1783 by Richard Hurd, Bishop of Worcester from 1781-1808.
This magnificent and nationally important library is a unique example of a working library, still housed in its original purpose-built room. The Hurd Library holds some 5,000 volumes on extremely varied subjects, ranging in date from 1476 to the early 19th century, including over 40 volumes from the library of Alexander Pope.
The library is located at Hartlebury Castle Worcestershire and is open by appointment to students and scholars. Enquiries or applications to consult the library may be made to enquiries@hurdlibrary.co.uk.
Find further information on the Hartlebury Castle Trust website and the Hurd Library blog.
The Infirmary is an interactive exhibition at the University of Worcester’s City Campus. It combines history, science, art and technology to explore the medical stories of one of England’s oldest infirmaries. The George Marshall Medical Museum has several original archives including oral histories, photographs and documents. The museum’s website gives details of how to visit.
The Stuart Collection contains over 1,000 books concerned with the period of history in which Britain was under Stuart rule (1603-1714).
Largely bequeathed to Worcester City Library in 1900 by John Grainger, it includes several hundred books printed during the period, supported by a number of later volumes engaged in its study. There are many fascinating subjects covered within, from law to religion, politics, a strong focus on the civil war and even books of songs and idle gossip.
You can visit the Stuart Collection on level four at The Hive. Please note that the collection is housed in secure shelving. You can consult the books in the original documents’ examination room, which is on level two. Please ask a member of staff in The Hive if you wish to view any of the material in the collection.
The library and archive have been an integral part of the life of Worcester Cathedral since Anglo-Saxon times.
The Worcester Cathedral library and archive exists to facilitate research by scholars, and to answer local and family history enquiries. You can see historic books and ancient documents via arranged guided tours.
You can book an appointment to study in the cathedral library, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 1:45pm to 4:45pm. You will need to make an appointment and bring a letter of introduction when you visit. In the case of University of Worcester students this letter should be from one of your tutors or research supervisors.
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service holds a wide variety of original, microform and electronic sources which can be used for family, local history or academic research.
Collections include:
