The following is an edited,
updated and illustrated version of
A Sketch of the Inner Temple
Library by Wallace Breem, Librarian and Keeper of Manuscripts
1965-1990.
17th
Century
Includes: Paston letter of 1440; Sir Edward Coke; Library destroyed
in Great Fire 1666; Temple as it was in 1671; Library blown up in
1679
18th
Century
Includes: Petyt MSS e.g. 12th century Macrobius, Lady Jane Grey
letter signed as Queen; 1709 new Library built; Joshua Blew
appointed as Librarian
19th
Century
Includes: First printed classified catalogue 1806; increase in
Library accommodation; 1892 new catalogue prepared by typewriter
20th
and 21st Century
Includes: Gift of 15th century manuscripts; Library destroyed by air
raids in 1941/42; new Library opens in 1958; catalogue of MSS 1972;
introduction of automation 1991
