The Historic Library and Rare Book Collection at Sherborne School contains approximately 900 volumes published between the 15th and 20th centuries, although the nucleus of the collection is the School’s 17th-century library. Of the 400 volumes listed in a library catalogue dated 1695 the majority still remain in the collection. The subject areas covered include theology, history, travel, topography and maps, natural science, philosophy, ecclesiastical history, bibles and prayer books.
The collection includes copies of Tyndale’s Bible (1536), the Bishop’s Bible (1568), the Antwerp Polyglot Bible (also known as Plantin’s Bible, the Biblia Regia or the King of Spain’s Bible) (1569/72), Matthew Parker’s Bible (1572), the Geneva or ‘Breeches’ Bible (1586), a set of late sixteenth-century vocal works by Orlando di Lasso, Gastoldi and others, first editions of John Gerard’s Herbal (1597) and Dr Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language (1755), and one item of incunabula, St Thomas Aquinas’ Opus Aureum (1493).
Guides to the Historic Library & Rare Book Collection:
Architecture & Classical Antiquities
British authors
British History
Classical authors
Classical History, Lexicons, Grammars, Anthologies, Geography
European and World History
French authors
Legal texts
Local History
Music
Natural Science & Philosophy
Newspapers, news sheets, & periodicals (pre-1900)
Reference Works: Encyclopedias, Lexicography, Bibliography
Theology & Ecclesiastical History
Travel, Topography & Cartography
See also:
Books about Sherborne School
Books written by or about Old Shirburnians & members of the School Staff
The Alec Waugh & Arthur Waugh library at Sherborne School (pdf)
Further information:
Peter Currie, ‘Reflections on a bookseller’s bill of 1687’, Antiquarian Book Monthly Review (June 1987)
Robert Clavell’s bill, 28 June 1687
Isaac Cleave’s bills, 17 February 1690 & 2 July 1691
An inventory of Sherborne School library, c.1695 (pdf)
Robert Boyle FRS (1627-1691): Sherborne School library benefactor
Lily’s Grammar – Sherborne School’s oldest text book
John Hutchins’ History of Dorset
G.M. Butt, Sherborne Castle, A Descriptive Poem (1815)
Directory of Rare Book and Special Collections in the UK and Republic of Ireland, 3rd edition (Facet Publishing, 2016)
For further information about the Sherborne School Archives please contact the School Archivist
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