The Chapter of York, the governing body that oversees York Minster, has submitted plans to develop the Old Palace Library, an iconic local landmark and Grade I listed building first constructed in the 13th century.
Widely known today as the York Minster Library and Archives, the Old Palace Library was originally used as the chapel of the Archbishop of York, before being refurbished and repurposed as a library in the early 1800s. The foundation of its library archive was a large collection of 600 books, donated by the family of the Archbishop of York, Tobias Matthew, after his death in 1628. As well as these donations, other notable items in the collection include a 1631 copy of the Wicked Bible and cathedral records dating as far back as 1150.
Today, the site functions as a reference and lending library, which is accessible to the public from Monday to Thursday every week. The Chapter of York has now lodged proposals to develop the existing Old Palace Library site at Dean’s Park, with plans submitted to transform the iconic building into an educational centre and museum dedicated to the Minster and its history. The planned inclusion of a new sensory garden would also work to boost wellbeing within the local community.
Visit www.yorkminster.org/visiting-york-minster-library-and-archives/ to find out more about the York Minster Library and Archives.
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