Gladstone’s Library: Your Place To Think…Since 1894.
Gladstone’s Library is the UK’s finest residential library, with 26 bedrooms, an on-site restaurant and a comfortable guest lounge (all open 7 days a week). It is the UK’s only Prime Ministerial library, built following a bequest from four times Prime Minister of Great Britain, William Ewart Gladstone.
Our world-famous Reading Rooms house thousands of books, including items from Gladstone’s own personal library, and offer protected study spaces in which to read, think and work. They are accessible to registered Readers and Researchers 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday) and to residents 7 days a week. It is free to become a Reader and work within the Reading Rooms.
The current building, raised in 1902 and designed by John Douglas, was funded by public subscription. It is home to unique archival collections, making it a destination for scholars from across the globe. Gladstone’s Library is a self-sustaining registered charity; every booking and donation made helps maintain the Grade I listed building and the collections it protects.
Roof & building restoration work at Gladstone’s Library
There may be some disruption, scaffolding, additional noise, and limited parking onsite.
Thank you for your patience during this time. Gladstone’s Library is currently undergoing vital restoration and repair work to our unique Grade I listed building thanks to support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF). This is the first major repair work to the Library’s roof in its 125-year history, so it is a historic moment and one we are truly thankful for. Please visit our News page and follow our social media channels for regular updates throughout the project. Relevant announcements will be shared with residential guests in advance of their stay.
A warm welcome from the Warden – Revd. Dr Andrea Russell
I hope you find the information you are looking for here on our website. We are a unique place – the UK’s only Prime Ministerial Library and the finest residential Library. People come to the Library for many reasons – to read, write and rest; to research and retreat; to meet friends and colleagues or to have some time alone; to attend a course, an event or simply to have lunch! We offer places for silence and conversation; for prayer and discussion; for learning and reflection.
In a complex and uncertain world, we offer a place to dig deeper, to be still, to learn new things and be reminded of the wisdom of the past. We also offer good food, beautiful surroundings and a team who are constantly praised for their helpfulness, professionalism and kindness.
Whatever your reason for visiting the Library, be assured of a warm welcome.
Opening Times
Gladstone’s Library is open seven days a week. Our restaurant is open to the public from 10am-5pm each day, and our lounge from 9am-5pm. To book accommodation, please click ‘Rest’ in the navigation bar.
Our Reading Rooms are open 6 days a week to registered Readers and Researchers (Monday-Saturday). If you would like to register, please remember to bring two forms of ID. The Reading Rooms are open for Residents (guests staying at the Library) 7 days a week.
You can contact our Reception with any enquiries by calling on 01244 532 350 or email [email protected].
