Chetham’s Library: Britain’s Oldest Free Public Reference Library

Chetham’s Library, in the heart of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, is the oldest free public reference library in the United Kingdom. A former hospital, it is a beautiful sandstone building dating from 1421. It was initially built to accommodate the priests of Manchester’s Collegiate Church. The library shares its space with Chetham’s School of Music, both of which opened in 1653 in honour of Humphrey Chetham.

Humphrey Chetham (1580 – 1653) was an English textile merchant, financier and philanthropist known for his generosity. After his trading partnership in textiles with his brother George became immensely successful, Chetham acquired Clayton Hall in Manchester as his residence and later bought Turton Tower, a grand manor house in Lancashire.

Chetham refused a knighthood from the crown after they became aware of his vastly accumulating wealth and was harshly fined for declining. Fearful parliament would obtain his money after his death, Chetham donated it to a Charity School, otherwise known as Blue Coat Schools, which encouraged the education of the poorer children in the community. The building later became a hospital, then a Music School and a library. Chetham left money specifically to pay for books for the library, famously stating that the library was for the use of scholars and “the sons of honest, industrious and painful parents”, and told the librarian to “require nothing of any many that cometh into the library.”

Home to a Unique Collection

Beginning its accumulation in August 1655, Chetham’s Library is home to an ever-expanding unique collection. It has over 100,000 volumes of printed books, 60,000 of which were published before 1851. It has a distinctive compilation of 16th—and 17th-century printed works, periodicals and journals, local history sources, broadsides, and large one-sided sheets designed for posters, ballads, advertisements, and the announcement of important events.

It has over forty medieval manuscripts, including the 13th century Flores Historiarum of Matthew Paris – a chronicle of the world and English history; a 15th century Aulus Gellius, bound for Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary; and an essential compendium of Middle English poetry. Fans of the Gothic tradition may be fascinated by the financial accounts of Horace Walpole, who documented his spending on his eccentric and excessive Gothic home, Strawberry Hill.

Chetham’s Library also preserves a wide range of temporary works, printed works intended for one-time use and not designed for preservation or retention. These include letters, pamphlets, postcards, bookmarks, certificates, trading cards, and invitations.

Unlike many libraries, Chetham’s Library has an extensive fine arts collection, including portraits of Rev. John Radcliffe, Robert Thyer, William Whitaker, Elizabeth Leigh and Rev. Francis Robert Raines. One of their prized possessions is an oil canvas called An Allegory with Putti and Satyrs, attributed to Vincent Seller, a 16th-century Flemish Renaissance painter known for his depictions of classical mythology, folklore, and religious stories.

One of its most unusual collections is the Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, which opened in 1836. This exclusive exhibition hall hosted various events, including circuses, an amusement park, sporting events such as football and boxing, and a popular music venue. Chetham’s Library has preserved thousands of posters promoting Belle Vue, programmes, and photographs. These are available to browse online; Chetham’s Library was granted £45, 000 in 2014 to digitise its collection and make it more accessible to the public.

This distinctive collection earned the right to be an accredited museum granted under England’s Art Council. It is considered to house a collection of national and international importance.

Famous Faces: Karl Marx and Fredrich Engles

Chetham’s Library is the oldest free public reference library in the English-speaking world. It has also hosted notable historical figures.

In the early 1840s, Manchester was home to German Marxist and Industrialist Fredrich Engles. Employed by his father’s cotton manufacturing firm in nearby Weaste, Engles spent many an afternoon among Chetham’s Library’s extensive collection. His readings led him to observations that informed one of his most famous works, The Condition of the Working Class in England.

Marx lived in London then, but he tried to visit his friend in Manchester as much as possible. By 1845, the pair had made it a habit, known to all in the library, of working together at a small table in the Reading Room’s alcove. It remained a beloved and memorable part of their friendship, Engles reflecting on it years later in a letter to Marx: “During the last few days, I have again spent a good deal of time sitting at the four-sided desk in the alcove where we sat twenty-four years ago. I am very fond of the place. The stained-glass window ensures that the weather is always fine there. Old Jones, the Librarian, is still alive but is ancient and no longer active. I have not seen him on this occasion.”

The alcove is available to the public, and although the stained glass had to be replaced due to a storm in the winter of 1875, it remains unchanged from the early days of Marx and Engles, which led to the Communist Manifesto. The volumes they studied are still housed in the Library.

Chetham’s Library is located in Long Millgate, Manchester. Its opening times are Monday to Friday, from 9 am – 12.30 and 1.30 – 4.30. It is closed at the weekends. Admission is free, adhering to Chetham’s original vision, but donations are welcomed. Tours and events can be booked online, via telephone, or in person. Full details can be found at Chetham’s and The Stoller Hall. Booking fees are applied accordingly. Enjoy Britain’s oldest free public reference library.

Architectural Significance

The Building and Its Features

Chetham’s Library is housed in an impressive medieval building that reflects the architectural style of the time. The structure features elements of Gothic architecture, characterised by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stonework. The building’s interior exudes a sense of history, with wooden beams, stone walls, and traditional furnishings that transport visitors back in time.

One of the most notable features of Chetham’s Library is its Great Hall, a vast space with a high ceiling supported by massive wooden beams. This hall served as a meeting place for the library’s early users and remains a central part of the library’s identity. The room is adorned with wooden bookcases filled with rare volumes, providing an atmospheric setting for research and study.

Another significant area within the library is the Reading Room, which boasts an extensive collection of reference materials. Here, scholars and the public can immerse themselves in their research while surrounded by centuries of literary history.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Over the years, Chetham’s Library has undergone various restoration projects to preserve its architectural integrity and protect its valuable collections. The library’s management is committed to ensuring this historic building remains a viable resource for future generations.

Restoration efforts have included careful maintenance of the building’s structure, conserving its manuscripts and books, and enhancing its user facilities. These initiatives have enabled Chetham’s Library to maintain its reputation as a leading public reference library.

Visitor Experience

Planning Your Visit

Chetham’s Library welcomes visitors year-round. Its website provides current opening hours and information about special events. The library is located in the heart of Manchester, easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient destination for locals and tourists.

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the library’s history and collections. These tours provide an in-depth look at the library’s architectural features, significant collections, and the stories behind its founding. The library also hosts various events throughout the year, including talks by authors, scholars, and historians, providing opportunities for engagement with literary and cultural topics.

Facilities and Accessibility

Chetham’s Library is committed to ensuring a positive experience for all visitors. The library provides facilities for reading and studying, including quiet areas and spaces for group work. Additionally, staff members can assist with queries and provide information about the library’s resources.

Regarding accessibility, Chetham’s Library is mindful of the needs of all visitors. The library has made efforts to ensure its facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access and assistance for those requiring support.

Conclusion

Chetham’s Library is a testament to the enduring value of knowledge and education. For over three centuries, Britain’s oldest free public reference library has been pivotal in promoting access to information and fostering a love of learning. Its impressive collection, rich history, and commitment to public service make it a unique and invaluable institution.

In a world where information is increasingly commodified, Chetham’s Library remains a beacon of free access to knowledge. It embodies the spirit of its founder, Humphrey Chetham, whose vision of a library for all inspires generations. Whether you are a scholar, a student, or a curious visitor, Chetham’s Library invites you to explore its treasures and partake in its rich literary heritage.