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Medieval Manuscripts
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The 260 medieval manuscripts are the stars of the Cathedral Library's collection. The subject matter includes theology, canon law, devotional books, music and literature. There are two manuscripts of major literary importance. The fifteenth-century Thornton Romances has the earliest written account of the death of King Arthur, and was a source for the poet Malory's Morte d'Arthur. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, one of only 50 manuscript versions, was bequeathed by Dean Michael Honywood, the Library's great benefactor. The devotional books include books of hours, exquisitely illuminated, and small enough to fit into a pocket.

Medieval manuscripts are among the books on display during the annual exhibition in the Medieval and Wren Libraries, which runs from spring to autumn.

Further information can be found in the Catalogue of the Manuscripts of Lincoln Cathedral Chapter Library by Rodney M. Thomson (Cambridge, 1989). Most of the manuscripts have been microfilmed; details are available from the Librarian. Click here to learn about sponsoring a manuscript.