Books & Chains Library Tour

Wells Cathedral’s chained library was built in the 15th century and houses a remarkable collection of early printed and manuscript books. Books vary widely in subject and include science, medicine, travel, history, the Classics, languages, and poetry as well as religion. The vast majority of the 4,000 volumes in the collection were produce between 1500 and 1800.

The library occupies a beautiful space much loved by film crews, recent examples being Wolf Hall, The Hollow Crown, Dungeons and Dragons. There are only a handful of chained libraries left in Europe and visitors will be shown how they work. This is a working library still occupying the space created for it some 570 years ago.

Library Guides will explain how libraries have changed in their design as technology moved from manuscript to print. A selection of books will be shown and described, with attention being paid to how they tell the history of the book.

Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

This tour ticket includes general admission to the Cathedral for the day.

Bookings can be made via Eventbrite up to 24 hours prior to the tour taking place. Want to make a last minute booking?

Call us on 01749 671663 or ask at the Welcome Desk on the day of your visit.

If these dates and times don't suit you, book a private tour by emailing visits@wellscathedral.org.uk.

A Guided Tour of the Chained Library

Booking Tickets

• The maximum number for a Chained Library Tour is 8 people.

• The tour is not deemed suitable for children under the age of 12.

Access to the library is by a stone spiral staircase and may not be suitable for those with mobility problems.

Where to meet your guide

Check in at the Welcome Desk in the New Entry Cloister. A few minutes before your tour start time a Library Guide will meet you and arrange to take you to the library entrance.

You must read the Terms and Conditions associated with this tour which are listed below.