Lambeth Palace Library: Historic Archives in a New Building

Lambeth Palace Library's new purpose-built premises were opened in 2021, uniting the collections previously held in the historic buildings at Lambeth (including the manuscript collection, papers of the archbishops of Canterbury, and holdings of early and modern printed books), and the extensive archives of other central Church bodies (including records of the Ecclesiastical/Church Commissioners) formerly held at the Church of England Record Centre. Together the collections encompass a wealth of information from the medieval to the modern period, which continue to develop as more material is added to the Library's holdings. The collections document the history of the central Church of England, but also support research into a multitude of other topics alongside this. The building will enable better preservation of the collections and provides expansion space for their development. It also presents greater opportunities to enhance access than was possible in the historic premises, via its Reading Room, exhibition area, and other spaces for public events, building on the Library's purpose originated at its foundation in 1610.