New 21st century home for Lambeth's ancient treasures

Lambeth Palace's first new building for 180 years will host the Church's historic library amid fears its current home could not preserve the collection to modern standards, according to the Telegraph.

The palace's first building in 180 years will host the library dating back to the 9th century Reuters

The priceless treasure trove is the largest collection of religious books and manuscripts in Europe apart from the Vatican and includes the execution papers of Mary Queen of Scots as well as a prayer book recovered from the body of Richard III.

The collection will be housed in a multi-million pound building, purpose built in the grounds of Lambeth Palace to preserve the manuscripts, some of which date back 1,200 years. Among the 200,000 books, 30,000 date from before 1700.

The library is currently dotted around several buildings on the palace's grounds and the environment is considered unsuitable for the preservation of such ancient manuscripts.

London based architects Wright & Wright have been tasked with designing the palace's first new building since 1833.

"The opportunity to work on this exciting piece of history is unique," said the firm.

article,article,article,article Related

"We look forward to working with the Church of England to develop a dynamic design to house a historic collection at Lambeth Palace so that it can be preserved and viewed by more people in the future."

Declan Kelly, director of libraries for the Church of England, said: "The existing library is housed in several buildings including the medieval entrance tower at Lambeth Palace, and the plans by the Church Commissioners were developed after it was found that the existing library can't be adapted to protect and preserve the collections to the standards needed."

related articles
Could we really re-evangelise the country by shutting down most churches?
Could we really re-evangelise the country by shutting down most churches?

Could we really re-evangelise the country by shutting down most churches?

27 Syrian refugees to be housed by Church of England in converted rectory
27 Syrian refugees to be housed by Church of England in converted rectory

27 Syrian refugees to be housed by Church of England in converted rectory

First female Lord Spiritual looks forward to a woman Archbishop of Canterbury
First female Lord Spiritual looks forward to a woman Archbishop of Canterbury

First female Lord Spiritual looks forward to a woman Archbishop of Canterbury

Churches, by all means criticise the Government, but let's do our own thing too

Churches, by all means criticise the Government, but let's do our own thing too

News
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods

A day of prayer was observed across Texas on Sunday as the state continues to respond to devastating flash floods that have killed dozens, including a number of children who were attending a Christian summer camp. 

Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat
Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat

The challenge before the Christian Church is both stark and clear: to understand and engage a new generation if it is to have a future. 

What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?
What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?

The Welsh Revival of 1904 was anything but quiet, leading to the worldwide Pentecostal and charismatic movements. This is the story …

Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'
Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'

A deadly suicide bombing at a Damascus church on Sunday June 22 has reignited urgent calls for global recognition of the ongoing persecution of Syria’s religious minorities.