Guildhall Library: A History of London's Premier Reference Collection
The Guildhall Library stands as a cornerstone of historical research for the City of London. Throughout its long existence, the library has undergone several transformations, evolving from a private theological collection in the 15th century to a world-class public reference resource. Its journey reflects the broader history of the city, marked by periods of generosity, loss, and architectural ambition.
The Early Years: The First Guildhall Library
The origins of the library date back to approximately 1425. This first incarnation was established by John Carpenter (the Town Clerk) and John Coventry, acting under the will of Richard Whittington, a wealthy and pious merchant. Described by the historian John Stow as a "fayre and large librarye," the collection was housed in a building on the south side of the Guildhall Chapel.
Known to contemporaries as the Libararia communis (the common library), it primarily served students of divine scriptures. Because printing had not yet been developed, the collection consisted of theological manuscripts. However, this early era ended abruptly around 1549 during the reign of Edward VI. The Lord Protector, the Duke of Somerset, ordered the entire collection to be removed. It is believed the books were taken to furnish Somerset House, his new palace on the Strand.
By 1550, the original library building had been repurposed as a market house for selling clothes, leased to Sir John Aylif, a surgeon to Henry VIII. For nearly 300 years, no formal library existed at Guildhall. The only surviving remnant of this original collection is a 13th-century copy of Petrus Riga's Aurora—a metrical Latin version of the Bible—which was later recovered from an antiquarian dealer.
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The 19th Century Revival and Expansion
The library was reborn in 1824 when the Corporation of London formed a committee to create a comprehensive library covering the City, the Borough of Southwark, and the County of Middlesex. Initially funded via the Privy Purse rather than ratepayers, the library opened in 1828 with 1,700 volumes. Access was originally restricted to members of the corporation and selected literary figures.
As the collection grew to include topographical studies, dictionaries, and glossaries, the need for a dedicated space became apparent. Between 1868 and 1872, the City architect Horace Jones designed a substantial stone building in the Perpendicular Gothic style to match the neighboring Guildhall. This structure, now known as "The Old Library," opened to the general public for free in 1873.
By the time of its opening, the library held approximately 60,000 volumes, including extensive works on London's architecture and a significant collection of early printed plays, the latter bolstered by the Chapman bequest. Until the Public Libraries Act of 1892, Guildhall was one of the few large municipal reference libraries in the region, alongside the Westminster Reference Library.
Modernization and the 20th Century
The 20th century brought both systemic innovation and tragedy. In 1926, the London Classification system was introduced to organize the London Collection. This system proved so effective that it is still used today by both Guildhall Library and the Barbican Library.
The library suffered a major blow during the Second World War. On December 29–30, 1940, bombing raids destroyed several store rooms, resulting in the loss of roughly 25,000 volumes. While the main building survived, the loss of materials was significant. Post-war recovery included the use of the Guildhall crypt for additional stack space.
A new, modern facility designed by Sir Giles Scott, Son and Partners opened in the West Wing of Guildhall on October 21, 1974. This facility was praised for its efficiency, featuring card indexes and a legacy pneumatic tube system for information retrieval.
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Recent Transitions
In the early 21st century, the library further refined its focus. Between 2009 and 2010, the Manuscripts, Prints, and Maps sections were moved to the London Metropolitan Archives, though some key manuscripts remain at Guildhall. Additionally, the library shared space with the City Business Library until 2023, when the latter (now the Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre) returned to Basinghall Street.
Key Facts
- Founded: First established c. 1425 via the will of Richard Whittington.
- Major Loss: The original collection was seized by the Duke of Somerset c. 1549.
- Architectural Style: The 1873 building was designed in Perpendicular Gothic by Horace Jones.
- WWII Impact: Approximately 25,000 volumes were lost in December 1940.
- Current Location: The West Wing of Guildhall, opened in 1974.
- Specialization: A "reference only" library focusing on the history and topography of London.
| Era | Key Milestone | Primary Focus/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 15th Century | Founded c. 1425 | Theological texts (Libararia communis) |
| 16th Century | Seizure c. 1549 | Collection removed by Duke of Somerset |
| 19th Century | Re-established 1824; New building 1873 | London history, topography, and plays |
| 20th Century | New West Wing 1974 | Modernized reference and retrieval systems |
| 21st Century | Archive migration 2009-2010 | Integration with London Metropolitan Archives |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the original 15th-century library?
The original collection was seized around 1549 by the Duke of Somerset, who likely used the books to furnish his palace, Somerset House. Most of the books were never returned.
What is the London Classification system?
Devised in 1926 specifically for the Guildhall Library, it is a specialized organizational system for the London Collection that is also utilized by the Barbican Library.
Is the Guildhall Library open to the public?
Yes. While it was initially restricted to corporation members upon its 19th-century revival, it has been open to the general public free of charge since 1873.
How many books were lost during World War II?
Approximately 25,000 volumes were lost during the bombings on December 29–30, 1940, when several store rooms were destroyed.
Where are the library's maps and prints located now?
The Prints and Maps and Manuscripts sections were moved to the London Metropolitan Archives between 2009 and 2010, although some major manuscript collections remain at Guildhall.