HEREFORD CATHEDRAL CHAINED LIBRARY

A Haven for any literary lover, the Chained Library at the Hereford Cathedral has to be on every book lover's bucket list and one of the best places to see in Hereford. Chained libraries existed in the middle ages and were a valuable commodity in universities and Cathedrals. This is the largest surviving chained library in the world and has been rebuilt just like it was from 1611 to 1841.

A chain is attached at one end to the front cover of each book and the other end is attached to a rod running along the bottom of each shelf. This system allows a book to be taken from the shelf and read at the desk, but you will not be able to take the book away from the desk as it’s connected by a chain to the bookshelf.

One of the most fascinating facts is that all of the books here are kept in their original chains under lock and key. The Library is home to 1500 rare books and 227 medieval manuscripts from 800 AD to the nineteenth century. The oldest book is the Hereford Gospels, from the year 800, although the history of the library really begins in 1100. The Cathedral acquired a large number of books in the twelfth century.

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Highlights

• Get a chance to look at the world's only surviving chained library which has some of the oldest and rarest books in the world.
• You can find over 80 books from the 12th century and many of them have evidence that they were made in Hereford.
• This unique library also has the 12th-century Gospels with a miniature painting by the Alexis master.
• Get a chance to look at the Sermons of St. Gregory the Great and St. Bede from the 12th century.
• Go on a guided tour where a professional expert will show you around and will provide more information about the library.