Leighton Library

Dunblane, United Kingdom

The Leighton Library is the oldest purpose built library in Scotland and also has a well-documented history as one of the earliest public subscription libraries in Scotland. Its collection of around 4000 volumes and 78 manuscripts from the 16th to 19th century is founded on the personal collection of Robert Leighton (1611–1684), Minister at Newbattle, Principal of Edinburgh University, Bishop of Dunblane and Archbishop of Glasgow. Robert Leighton's personal collection consisted of 1,400 books and the Leighton Library was built to host the books which had been left to Dunblane Cathedral.

The library was completed in 1687, with Dr James Fall the Principal of the University of Glasgow coming to inspect the building erected in his friends memory.

The two-storey building consists of one apartment which is entered from a stone staircase, beneath the apartment are two vaults which have previously been used as a plasterer's store and at a later point as a painter's store. The library is lit by three windows, two to the west of the building and one to the south, it is a wood lined library with sixteen bookcases lining the walls and low presses for books stand in the centre of the room. The fore-stair into the building had originally run from east to west but at the start of the 19th century it was changed to run north to south.

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Founded: 1687
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Peter Cole (2 months ago)
Amazing repository of history and information. Lovely and very knowledgeable people to tell you all about it - and fire your imagination! And it's free - but don't forget to leave a donation to keep it going.
jenny (3 months ago)
What a delightful spot brimming with history and stories! Incredible feeling to be surrounded by these leatherbound vellum pages from centuries past, that indescribable old book ? smell...Staffed by the sweetest ladies, it truly made my day. They even have a LEGO-themed activity for kids, and a small but cool gift shop selection. Please, don't skip this hidden gem on your visit to the cathedral!
Sean Robertson (2 years ago)
The volunteers had a great deal of knowledge on this important part of history. You can ask to see books that are hundreds of years old. The restoration work to keep it up is admirable. A must see when are seeing the cathedral next door.
Maryna Lapai (2 years ago)
Great place for people who love books! I have never seen library like this before, so many ancient books and the best part you can ask to open and look through any book you like! Unbelievable experience! If you are in Dunblane it is a must to visit. Highly recommend???
Christopher Walker (5 years ago)
I didn't have long enough to fully appreciate this very old library building - and they're only open until 1pm so if you arrive in town around lunchtime you might find yourself out of luck. There are some real treasures here.
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