Now, let me tell you about what you can find inside this library. Prepare to be amazed! We've got a collection of 120 "incunabula," which are books printed way back before 1500. That's like ancient times in book years! And that's not all! We've also got a reference collection with around 10,000 items. It's like a bookworm's paradise.
But wait, there's more! We've got 260 medieval manuscripts in here. Yep, you heard me right, that's 260! These manuscripts cover a wide range of subjects including theology, canon law, devotional books, music, and literature. It's like taking a trip back in time!
Now, let me give you a sneak peek into some of the cool stuff we have. How about the earliest written account of the death of King Arthur? Yep, we've got that right here in the "Thornton Romances" found in the Lincoln Thornton Manuscript. It's so old, even Thomas Malory used it as a source for his famous work, Morte d'Arthur.
Oh, and did I mention we also have the first Bible ever printed in the Americas? It's called "Mamusse Wunneetupanatamwe Up-Biblum God," but luckily we just call it the Algonquian Bible for short. It was printed way back in 1663. That's a whole lot of history right there!
If you're into devotional books, we've got something pretty special too. How about an illuminated Book of Hours? It's so small, you can actually slip it into your pocket. Perfect for those moments when you need a little spiritual inspiration on-the-go!
Now, let me tell you about the history of this place. Back in the medieval era, these manuscripts were kept in a chest or cupboard. Scholars from far and wide would come just to consult them. Then in 1422, a fancy new chained library was built over the east walk of the Cloister. Yep, you heard me right, chained! Those books weren't going anywhere without permission.
But let's fast forward a bit. After some turbulent times during the Civil War, dear old Michael Honywood, the Dean of Lincoln, finally got around to repairing our beloved cathedral. And guess what? He also had a grand vision of a new library building. So, he dished out £780 of his own money to make it happen. Talk about dedication!
Who else did he call? None other than Christopher Wren, the master architect himself. Wren designed this building and supervised the process, making sure everything was just right. Of course, he left his mark with a few baroque features and some trompe-l'œil marbling on the inside. It's like a feast for the eyes!
Oh, and did I mention that we're one of only two surviving Wren libraries? Yep, the other one is at Trinity College, Cambridge. We're in pretty good company, if you ask me!
Well, my dear visitor, this library is truly a special place. The ceiling might be undergoing some repairs at the moment, but that doesn't mean you can't soak in the history and marvel at the incredible collection we have here. Enjoy your time in the Lincoln Cathedral Library!
