Antiquarian books and manuscripts
our collections
Our collections are used by members of the College, the wider University and visiting researchers from around the world. They include early printed books and a small collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts.
These collections are still being catalogued, with all catalogued material available to search on SOLO.
Appointments are usually made between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday, with a one hour break for lunch at 12pm. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate viewings during the weekend.
For any enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact the library:
Email: library@bnc.ox.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 277827 / 6
Rare Books Collections
Pre-1640 collection
The pre-1640 collection at Brasenose consists of at least 2,500 items, including 84 incunables (books printed before 1500). A catalogue compiled in 1556 lists over 100 volumes, which are still in the collection, with several given by one of the founders of the College, William Smyth. The collection was substantially enlarged in 1647 with a bequest from alumnus Henry Mason of around 500 volumes (mainly theological works).
Post-1640 collection
The post-1640 collection reflects the libraries of former Principals of the College, from the period of the English Civil War, the Commonwealth and the Restoration through to the 18th century. The subjects include antiquarian learning, law, political and religious pamphlets in addition to both English and European literature.
Please note the cataloguing of both these collections is still ongoing (around 70% is catalogued), on SOLO, and until completed the full richness, or exact size (thought to be in the region of 12,500 items), of the holdings cannot be determined.
Manuscripts
The library has a small collection of medieval manuscripts dating from the 11th century: 20 more or less complete manuscripts and approximately 160 manuscript fragments. Most of the manuscripts are kept (and need to be consulted) at the Bodleian Library.
Please refer to our page on the Bodleian’s Medieval Manuscripts in Oxford Libraries website for more details and how to access them.
There is also a collection of 17th to 19th century manuscripts, mainly on theology and law, also kept at the Bodleian Library.
Additional Collections
The library holds a collection of books written by, and about, members of Brasenose College past and present. The books range from modest pamphlets and anecdotal tales of yesteryear to major works such as Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Some books may be added to the main collection if relevant to current student studies.
Finally, we have a small collection of books relating to all things Oxford, such as college histories. We call this the Oxford Collection, and includes titles such as, The History of the University and Oxford Historical Society Publications.
