The Rare Book and Manuscript Collection contains over 7000 early printed books, and approximately 200 Manuscripts.  The collection reflects the educational and personal interests of barristers spanning the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries.  As is to be expected, this includes early legal texts, both in manuscript and early printed formats. More importantly, however, as an institution which up to the mid-nineteenth century was responsible for providing an all-round gentleman's education, the Inn's collection covers a range of subjects, including theology, literature, maps, history, medicine, and significant works on travel and early exploration. The collection still holds the majority of the books listed in its earliest printed catalogue, dated 1700. See the Highlights section for some examples.

As of January 2007, we have implemented a book sponsorship scheme, whereby patrons can sponsor a book in need of conservation. Please refer to the Book Sponsorship page for more details, or contact the .

Many of the books were donated by previous members, as indicated by our archival records, and the books' inscriptions, bookplates, and bindings. The earliest such donation would be the Ashley bequest, which re-established the library in 1641.  We have managed to identify a large majority of the original bequest to create the Ashley Collection, which can be searched in the catalogue. Robert Ashley's will, which established the bequest, is depicted to the right. See the Early Printed Books, and the Highlights sections for more information.

Manuscripts

The manuscript portion of our collection consists mostly of legal texts, acts, and reports, including a manuscript copy of drafts of acts passed during 1652 and 1653, a crucial period in English Parliamentary history. In addition, we have some non-legal texts, including a MS copy of Luis Pacheco de Narvaez's Libro delas grandecas dela espada [ca. 1600], an early work on fencing, complete with illustrations, and John Lathbury's Commentary on Lamentations [ca. 1406]. See the Manuscripts section for further details.

Images from Rare Books, Online

In 2009 the Library created a partnership with the Science Photo Library to digitise science images from our Rare Books Collection. The images can be purchased online via the SPL website. Some of the images have been used to create postcards which are on sale in the Library. There are currently over 400 images available to view on the website at: http://www.sciencephoto.com/contributor/mtl/list

Access and Use

Access is by appointment only. Please contact the Rare Books Librarian for further details, or to make an appointment. The majority of the collection is catalogued, and details can be seen on our online catalogue. Because of the fragile nature of some of the items, please consult our Access and Use section for viewing guidelines.