The printed stock contains over 5000 titles, including 9 incunabula, over 600 foreign 16th century titles, 541 STC, and 841 Wing items. The collection is strongest in theology, liturgy and canon law, with a good representation of other subjectssuch as literature, travel and science. Notable treasures are a Book of Common Prayer 1619, annotated with Cosin's proposals for the 1662 revision, and a 1662 Book of Common Prayer and companion Bible bound by Samuel Mearne for Charles II. There arec.600 items in French, mostly pamphlets of religious controversy from the period of Cosin's exile in Paris, 1644-60, a considerable number not in the Bibliothèque Nationale.
Bishop Cosin's Library
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- ReferenceGB 33 cosin
- Dates of Creation15th-19th century
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish ; Latin ; French
- Physical Descriptionca. 5,000 titles
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Also sometimes known as Bibliotheca Episcopalis Dunelmensis, it was founded in 1669 by John Cosin (1595-1672) as an endowed public library for local clergy and people of scholarly interests, and is still housed in its original specially erectedbuilding. It contains predominantly Cosin's personal collection, but also includes gifts from other benefactors, especially medieval manuscripts from George Davenport (d.1677), printed books from Bishop Richard Trevor (1707-71) and post-medievalmanuscripts from Bishop Shute Barrington (1734-1826).
In 2005 the Library was in the first group of libraries and archives awarded Designated status under the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Designation Scheme.
Access Information
Open for consultation.
Acquisition Information
The University utilized the building from 1834 and became trustee of the library in 1937. No significant additions have been made since the early 19th century.
Other Finding Aids
The collection is catalogued in Discover
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from the Head of Special Collections (e-mail PG.Library@durham.ac.uk) and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist wherepossible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material.