Wimborne Minster Chained Library Heritage

Founded in 1686 - One of only 4 Chained Libraries in England.

Wimborne Minster's Chained Library was founded in 1686 by the Reverend William Stone, as a free library for the people of Wimborne, one of the first free libraries. The children in the town's orphanages and residents of the workhouse made the chains. These are fine figure of eight chains (similar to those designed by Michelangelo for the Lorentian library in Florence) which are fixed to the fronts of the books by a metal hasp. It is one of only 4 in England.

Opening Times

Easter until 31st October.
10.30 - 12.30 Monday to Saturday
2.00 - 4.00 Monday to Friday
Services permitting.

Costs

No entry fee - donations invited

Directions

Part of the Minster Church

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