The Windsor Castle Royal Library is a remarkable repository of historical and cultural materials, housing over 200,000 items that span centuries. From rare books and manuscripts to coins, medals, and sound recordings, this library offers a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of the British monarchy.
History of the Royal Library at Windsor Castle
The Royal Library was established by King William IV in the 1830s, with the contents declared “inalienable” from the Crown. This consolidation brought together collections from various royal residences, including Windsor Castle, Kew Palace, Carlton House, and Brighton Pavilion. Under the guidance of Librarian John Glover, the library saw significant acquisitions, including incunabula (books printed before 1501) and important works on natural history, science, theology, and architecture.
Collections Held in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle
The Windsor Castle Royal Library boasts a diverse range of materials, including:
- Books
- Manuscripts
- Music
- Sound recordings
- Insignia
- Medals
- Coins
The collection is particularly strong in the following areas:
- Islamic and South Asian manuscripts
- Early printed books
- Fine bindings
- Private press books
- English and world literature
- Poetry
- British and Commonwealth history
- Heraldry
- Religion and theology
- Natural history
- Travel and exploration
Accessing or Visiting the Royal Library at Windsor Castle
The Royal Library is situated in a suite of three rooms adjacent to the State Apartments at Windsor Castle. Access to the library is primarily for members of the Royal Household and other Households, but external enquiries and research requests are also encouraged if the material is not accessible elsewhere.
Normal research hours are 10am–4pm, Monday–Friday, with some restrictions during busy periods or when The Queen is in residence. Researchers must be accompanied by a member of staff at all times and can use a tea room for refreshments. There is no parking available within the Castle precincts, but special arrangements can be made for disabled access.
Contact Information
If you’re interested in accessing the Windsor Castle Royal Library or have any inquiries, you can reach out to the library staff using the following contact details:
- Email: royallibrary@rct.uk
- Phone: +44(0) 1753 868286
- Address: Royal Library, Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Additional Resources
For those who want to explore the Royal Library’s collections further, the Royal Collection Trust website provides access to over 60,000 items from the library. Additionally, Queen Victoria’s Journals are freely available in the United Kingdom and can be accessed online.
The Windsor Castle Royal Library is a true gem, offering a unique window into the rich history and cultural heritage of the British monarchy. Whether you’re a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this library is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the treasures of the past.
References:
– Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). The Royal Library and Royal Archives. Retrieved from https://www.rct.uk/collection/about-the-collection/the-royal-library-and-royal-archives
– Library Services. (2022). The Royal Library, Windsor Castle. Retrieved from https://libraryservices.jiscinvolve.org/wp/2022/05/the-royal-library-windsor-castle/
– The Royal Family. (n.d.). ABOUT THE COLLECTIONS. Retrieved from https://www.royal.uk/sites/default/files/media-packs/rlra_how_to_use_the_collections.pdf