Identity area
Reference code
SJCR/SJGR/5/1/1
Unique identifier
Title
Date(s)
- 1683-1719 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1 item, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
List of benefactors to the College Library most likely compiled by David Morton. Morton was the College's Library-keeper and a Fellow.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
- Latin
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The item was repaired 14 Dec 1990.
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
The library referred to here would be what is currently referred to as the Old Library. The Old Library was built between 1623 and 1628. It was brought into being largely through the efforts of two members of the College, Valentine Carey, Bishop of Exeter, and John Williams, Lord-Keeper and Bishop of Lincoln.
St John's College first opened its doors in 1516 and the original library was situated in First Court (then the only court) on the first floor to the south of the Great Gate.
The building of a new library was prompted by the promise of a large donation of books and manuscripts bought from William Crashaw (puritan divine and father of the poet Richard Crashaw) by Henry Wriothesley (Earl of Southampton and patron of Shakespeare), both of whom were alumni of St John's.
For more information see the College's website https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/history-old-library