Cartmel Priory Library

Scope and Content

The collection contains books and manuscripts originally collected by members of the clergy at Cartmel Priory. It includes theological books, Latin and Greek classics, and books on natural sciences and English non-theological books.

Administrative / Biographical History

The precise date of the foundation of this library in unknown but is likely to have been before 1629. The greater part of the library was added in 1696-7 on the death of Thomas Preston of Holker. His father, also Thomas Preston, had married Katherine Hoghton, daughter of Sir Gilbert Hoghton, Baron of Hoghton Tower. It is believed that some of the books in the library originated from Hoghton Tower.

The books are mainly theological but there are also a number of Latin and Greek classics, works on natural science and a few English non-theological books.

Arrangement

Each item is numbered and listed in a published catalogue availble on the Special Collections Web Page

Access Information

Items in the collection may be consulted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the controlled environment and restrictions of the Library's Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

Cartmel Priory Church

Other Finding Aids

Published catalogue: Published catalogue: Taylor, Samuel; Ramage, David. Taylor, Samuel; Ramage, David. The ancient library in Cartmel Priory Church: history and catalogue; 2nd el. and corr. ed. (Durham Univ. Lib. Publns, 3) The ancient library in Cartmel Priory Church: history and catalogue; 2nd el. and corr. ed. (Durham Univ. Lib. Publns, 3) Durham: University Library Durham. 1959.

The catalogue can be consulted at Lancaster University Library.

Listings from the Special Collections Web Page

Conditions Governing Use

COPIES FOR PRIVATE STUDY: Subject to copyright conditions imposed by owners and protecting the documents, the library can supply, at charge, photocopies or digital copies.

PUBLICATION: A reader wishing to publish material in the collection should contact Special Collections in writing. The reader is responsible for obtaining permission to publish from the copyright owner.

Custodial History

The collection was deposited by Cartmel Priory