About the Library

The medieval library of Durham’s Benedictine priory is by far the best preserved of any in Britain or Ireland. Considerably more items survive here than from any other pre-Reformation monastic collection

The collection is made up of manuscripts and books dating from the 6th to the 16th centuries. As well as texts written in England and Ireland, there are works produced in France, Germany and Italy. The Priory Library includes masterpieces of calligraphy and illumination, spanning a millennium of European culture.

There is also an extensive series of library catalogues extending from the 11th - 15th centuries.

Why recreate a medieval monastic library?

The historical impact of the Priory Library collection has been hampered by the dispersed and fragile nature of the materials. This has limited comprehensive examination and broader awareness.

By preserving and opening up this collection to the world, we hope that valuable new insights into the historical and textual traditions of the period will be made.

Digitising a delicate resource

The Cathedral, in partnership with Durham University, is digitising the Priory Library by:

• creating a state-of-the-art online resource
• collating digital images of around 480 manuscripts and early printed books