Inside the Fellows' Library: Exploring the Rare Books of Winchester College

Discover the hidden history of one of England's oldest schools in two new videos created exclusively for Heritage Open Days 2020. Founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Winchester College has remained in continuous operation, on its original site, ever since; longer than any other school in England.
The Warden and Fellows of Winchester College established a library at the beginning of the 15th century, which now contains more than ten thousand volumes, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary artists' books.
This film explores the historic importance of the Fellows’ Library as a collection. Led by Fellows' Librarian, Dr Richard Foster and Assistant Curator, Dr Sarah Griffin, the film focuses on the stories and rarity of individual books and their national significance, whilst taking in the beautiful rooms and buildings that house them.

[@rahimveron]

Such an elegant presentation of these important legacy libraries.

[@robertocatrone715]

What a wonderful blessing to have accessibility to these beautiful treasures.

[@Ubermensch201]

What a beautiful College and library.. I love medieval architecture and old books like this

[@austinballard3818]

I hated reading and books when I was younger.. its fascinating as I get older how much I watch things like this with envy

[@ImranSahir1]

This is a fabulous collection and so much has been preserved. Thanks for the tour.

[@insectbah]

Wow these are incredible. Thank you so much for allowing us to visit virtually!

[@MrTorleon]

Thank you for a beautifully expressed and informative video tour of Winchester College library, which I have had the privilege to visit on a few occasions in the past. I am an old paleographer - that is, I am now very old !!!!! Although I was then based in Oxford, the journey to Winchester always proved to be more than worthwhile, and this video has reminded me why - so many thanks indeed :)

[@lannyfaulkner6697]

Thank you for this tour. Stunningly beautiful facilities and books.

[@inkland2003]

this is a great episode about the beautiful collection at Winchester College. thanks

[@Wickedmama]

Okay... I just got to the celestial globe part and I’m in love!

[@colincavendish-jones25]

Thank you for posting this, it is most interesting and informative, and the books are beautifully complemented by the music and architectural photography.

[@danielvso]

Awesome! I've been to Winchester in 2012. Almost got frozen in the city, but I visited the magnificent cathedral. Unfortunately, I couldn't see these incredible collections. Maybe next time!

[@lachenmann]

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this video. Thanks to it, I discovered your wonderful channel. Thank you!

[@cristianvera8506]

What a beautiful site,bravo 👏🙌greetings from USA 🇺🇸

[@BALDAK_MUSIC]

Loved the tour.

[@danwroy]

18:50 Look at the quality of the printing on the First Folio - 500 years old and it's more beautiful than a 1930s hardcover.

[@GoInfluenceyourself]

This type of history is breathtaking. I have to know more about the book pillows. Are those common in the rare book library world. They make perfect sense for these large delicate books. Are they also used on smaller books? Would they have been common centuries ago as well when the books were being read?

[@WinchesterCollegeOfficial]

We're glad you enjoyed the film. The use of book pillows is quite widespread, but rare book libraries still more often use foam supports. If books are tightly bound then pillows don’t really work, but if they open fairly easily (like the items used in the film) then pillows are good because they adjust to the shape of the book and make it easy to turn pages. They work with any size of book. In the past, readers would not have used pillows or any other means of support and books would usually have been read either flat on a desk, propped up on a lectern, or held in the hand.

[@bdhd206]

Astonishing

[@BoldBooksandBones]

Very nice episode! Very informative. Thank you for sharing

[@upwardjourney2055]

Really appreciate this!

[@hilariapdx]

Wonderful!

[@grantpegram4234]

This is amazing

[@mikjryan]

Very cool too see

[@ItCouldBeJacob]

Cool!

[@supercoooldad]

wow!

[@ticoalochancho]

Wonderful!