Library & research

Using our library and archives

The Library is now open to researchers on Mondays - Thursdays by appointment.

Library Looking South (DL2018) Westminster Abbey Copyright (1)

Opening times

Please contact us to make an appointment to view books and documents as seating is limited. We are usually open Mondays - Thursdays, 10.30am -1pm and 2-4 pm, (except for National holidays, and we may close due to special services at the Abbey).

Visiting the Library

The Library is situated in the east cloister next to the Chapter House. Entry is via Dean's Yard and the cloisters. It will be necessary for researchers to obtain a Visitor Pass from the Chapter Office at 20 Dean's Yard prior to entering the cloisters. Security checks take place at the cloister entrance.

Students will require a letter of introduction from a supervisor. If you wish to bring a PC it must work off batteries. Photography is not normally allowed by readers. There is no online catalogue of our main document holdings available yet (expected within the next two years).

We may be able to supply digital copies or photocopies of documents (depending on their condition) to assist your research if you are not able to visit in person.

We also supply images for publication and media use, but requests for new photography may be subject to a delay.

Interested groups may apply for a guided tour of the Library, subject to limited availability (minimum 10 and maximum 20 in a group).