Library tours launch at Lichfield Cathedral
Library tours are to launch at Lichfield Cathedral in May, giving visitors the chance to see a selection of manuscripts and old books.
The Cathedral Library is tucked away on the upper floor of the Chapter House and houses a unique and special collection of historic treasures.
The tours, entitled From Manuscript to the Printed Word will offer visitors an exclusive opportunity to see some of the Cathedral's earliest manuscripts, and a selection of their earliest printed books.
These include a beautiful 15th century illuminated copy of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, a dangerous and forbidden Wycliffe Bible, and a 16th century printed Book of Hours.
The Cathedral Library Tours have proved to be hugely popular in previous years, so this year the cathedral has doubled the number of tours available, and introduced a number of Christmas evening tours which will take place in December.
They will see the library beautifully decorated for the season, and offer the chance to take the tour by candlelight, as well as enjoy a glass of mulled wine and festive treats.
Clare Townsend, cathedral libraries' manager, says: "We're really looking forward to this year's tour, particularly with the addition of the Christmas tours. It's a great privilege for us to be able to share our wonderful collection, and we hope to see many new faces when we re-open our doors in May."
Visitors to the Cathedral Library have described previous tours as a 'fascinating glimpse of a real treasure house.'
Tickets cost £18 to £25 and are available from the Shop at No.9, The Close, or by calling 01543 306150. Tours last approximately 90 minutes.
To find out more about events and services at Lichfield Cathedral, visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org
