Gladstone's Library
Founded 1889 by William Ewart Gladstone
Residential accommodation for up to 45 residents. Rates available on request (reduced rates for students, Society of Authors and clergy, and scholarships and bursaries are available annually).
Background
Gladstone’s Library is a residential library in North Wales and is the UK’s only prime-ministerial library. It was founded by William Ewart Gladstone to house his book collection and make it accessible to others. Gladstone's Library today encourages research and promotes education in nineteenth-century studies, theology, and literature. We do this through: the growth and preservation of our collections; the development and support of a fellowship of scholars; a dedicated programme of courses, lectures, festivals and other events; the display and interpretation of our resources to an ever-widening public.
Collection
An arts and humanities collection of some 100,000 printed items, particularly strong in nineteenth-century primary texts and archives, supported by a circulating collection of more contemporary titles. The catalogue is available via our website. Special collections include the Gladstone Foundation Collection, pre-1800 titles, and the Bishop Moorman Franciscan Collection. Archives include the Glynne-Gladstone Archive as well as smaller archives relating to nineteenth-century studies and twentieth-century theology. The entire collection is reference only; there are no borrowing facilities. Restricted and closed items must be ordered in advance.
Building
The Reading Rooms are housed in a purpose-built, Grade I listed building; in the opposite wing there are 26 bedrooms. Following Gladstone's death in 1898, a public appeal was launched for funds to provide a permanent building to house the collection and to replace the temporary structure. The £9,000 raised provided half of our imposing building, designed by John Douglas, an architect closely associated with Chester and North Wales. We were officially opened by Earl Spencer on 14th October 1902 as the National Memorial to W. E. Gladstone; soon after the Gladstone family helped to fulfil the founder's vision by funding the residential wing, which welcomed its first resident on 29th June 1906.
Contact Details
Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire CH5 3DF
tel: 01244 532 350 / email: enquiries@gladlib.org (accommodation and bookings) or library@gladlib.org (collections and Reading Rooms)
Open to Residents, Readers and Researchers daily 9.00-22.00.
Readers and Researchers are required to provide two forms of ID, one with a recent photograph and one with proof of address.
Anyone wishing to book accommodation should contact the venue to check availability.
Website
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
Status
Registered charity no 701399
Twitter - @gladlib
Instagram - @gladstoneslibrary
Volume - the Gladstone’s Library blog
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