A library in the Middle Ages needed its own security system. In 1686 when this one, the Chained Library at Wimborne Minster, was founded it was one of the first public libraries. Books in those days were very precious so chains were used to make sure they didn't stray too far from the shelf.
The chains are usually attached from a metal rod on the shelf to the edge of the book's cover as you can see in this postcard. Attaching to the spine is likely to cause too much damage to the book and the chain is liable to become tangled. This means though, that the books are usually shelved with their spines facing the wall. You have to suppose that there were few enough books that anyone wanting to use them would know where to find what they wanted.
The library is still open to the public, staffed by volunteers.
Wimborne Minster is the parish church for Wimborne in Dorset, in the south of England. It has been in existence for 1300 years. The staircase to the the library, though, is a mere 600 years old.
A post for Sepia Saturday. A click on the button will take you to the blog.
That’s something I’d love to see. I’ve been to WImborne many times but never knew about this. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see it too but it sure seems a poor way to have security
ReplyDeleteThat library looks very interesting. I suppose that they must have had some kind of indexing or labeling that helped locate books.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Very interesting post and a place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever heard of chaining books to prevent theft- that seems a tad extreme to me. What a neat place though- I would love to visit.
ReplyDelete1686? Wow, it looks like our Minneapolis Historical Society research library today! Amazing right?! I would love to dig around in all those books...and speaking of precious, I don't go to their extremes of security but I too guard my books and very seldom let them leave! ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this system of security, and I'm delighted to hear that the library has been preserved for people to see. Interesting post, thank you :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a chain library. Do you think there were more like that. It seems so extreme. You'd have to really want to read one of those books to get through the security.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Chain library -- I first thought it was going to be like a chain restaurant. Obviously not! I'm glad you posted this card -- so very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a chain library, but can understand why they kept the books locked up. I imagine printing books was costly and the printing technique may have taken more time in the late 1600s, so there were fewer of them. Books were probably a valuable commodity. Of course this is just a guess on my part. :)
ReplyDeleteChain letters - Yes; chain library - No, I'd never heard of one before. Intriguing; I'd love to go there.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness; that has to be one of the oldest libraries! The chain idea is new to me also.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Ooh, love this one! I saw a programme recently where they were showing chained books. Maybe it was these ones...
ReplyDeleteIt is comforting to know the staircase is more recent...
ReplyDelete;)~
Wouldn't it have been simpler to have someone keep watch over the room
instead of chaining up everything? Someone could still rip a page off,
couldn't they?!?
:/~
HUGZ
Fascinating post! It makes sense that in the middle ages the books were chained to the shelves. We do take books for granted these days! My mother was a librarian; she would have loved this photo and article.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful post. I could do with some of those chains, but no dount my brother would have managed to cut through them.
ReplyDelete