Old Library - Home

The Old Library is the jewel in the crown of Trinity Hall and one of the hidden gems of Cambridge. The redbrick Tudor building, situated opposite the Master’s Lodge, was built in c.1590 and is the oldest library in Cambridge still in its original setting. It is one of a handful of chained libraries remaining in Britain. Unusually, the interior and furniture are much as they were at the time of construction: each lectern has the original locking mechanism intact and the Library still contains examples of chained books.

The College’s special collections of rare books and manuscripts are housed here and may be consulted by prior arrangement. The oldest manuscript is a life of St. Martin of Tours created in c.1050.

The Old Library is opened at the end of each term and at General Admission for College staff and students.

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