File:Chained library, Wimborne Minster 1.jpg

English: Situated within the Minster, this was one of Britain's first public libraries, established in 1686 in the room previously the Treasury, which housed the wealth of the Minster until it was confiscated by Henry VIII.

Among the earliest collections of the library, which we see here, were donated by Rev. William Stone on condition that the books were chained to the shelves - he wished that his items be available not only to the clergy but also to 'the better class of person in Wimborne'. He provided money for the chains and also stipulated that the existing works also be chained, lest they be pilfered by the less scrupulous.

Stone's collection is entirely ecclesiastical, but later collections have a variety of subjects, from architecture to wine pressing and even how to kill an elephant.

These are Victorian chains but there are two originals remaining. Because the chains are attached to the edges of the book covers, rather than the spines which would become easily damaged, the books face inwards. Therefore, index marks face the visitor (not really appreciable in this picture but see SZ0099 : Wimborne Minster: later books in the chained library) so that the correct book can be selected.

Out of picture, in a central glass case are several very interesting and very old books - to name but two examples: one handwritten on vellum dating from the 1340s; and one large bible written in nine languages, a few verses at a time in each.