Library interior: Room D Old Hall and Library View of the Temple, 1671 Old Library with Clock Tower Library interior: Room D Old Hall and Library View of the Temple, 1671 Old Library with Clock Tower Library interior: Room D
       
 
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Library History

 

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.
 

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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
 

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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
 

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19th Century
Includes: First printed classified catalogue 1806; increase in Library accommodation; 1892 new catalogue prepared by typewriter
 

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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
 

 
 
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