Lambeth Palace Library

Lambeth Palace Library is the historic library of the archbishops of Canterbury and the principal library and record office for the history of the Church of England. The Library focuses on ecclesiastical history, but its rich collections are important for an immense variety of topics from the history of art and architecture to colonial and Commonwealth history, and for innumerable aspects of English social, political and economic history. It is also a significant resource for local history and genealogy.
The Library was founded as a public library by Archbishop Bancroft in 1610, and its collections have been freely available for research ever since.

We are always happy to answer brief and specific questions about our holdings or to give advice both to personal visitors to the Library and also by e-mail, post or fax. However owing to a shortage of resources we regret that we are unable to undertake extensive or speculative enquiries. We do not offer a paid search service.

The entire collection of this library is a Designated Collection of national importance.

Additional info

The catalogues of archives and manuscripts and printed books are available to search online. The Church Plans Online database offers digitised images of over 13,000 plans in the archive of the Incorporated Church Building Society. Records of the Church of England Record Centre can be viewed in the Reading Room once the material has been requested from the Record Centre (e-mail: archivist@c-of-e.org.uk).

Microfilm and microfiche readers and an ultra-violet lamp are available. Readers may use their own laptops in the reading room and wi-fi access is offered.

Tea and coffee are available in the Library, and readers are welcome to bring refreshments to consume in the refreshment area. The consumption of tobacco products is only permitted in the Courtyard, not in any Library building.

Please contact the Library in advance concerning facilities for the disabled.