A treasure trove of rare manuscripts and early printed works—normally accessible only to scholars—will welcome the public for a special one-day event.
The Ushaw Historic House, located near Durham, houses a collection of over 50,000 items, including groundbreaking scientific texts, historic religious volumes, and some of the earliest books ever printed in Europe. On August 9, visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore these works as part of the site’s inaugural book festival.
Among the highlights is a 1493 edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, a richly illustrated encyclopedia documenting Christian history from biblical times to the late 15th century. Only around a thousand original copies remain worldwide. The library also possesses a pirated 1497 version, a smaller and more affordable edition of which even fewer survive.
Other notable works include a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and numerous incunabula—books printed in Europe before 1501, during the infancy of the printing press.
“This is a landmark moment for us,” said a representative from Ushaw. “We’re thrilled to share these extraordinary pieces with a broader audience.”
The historic library, once part of a Roman Catholic seminary, continues to serve as a vital resource for researchers. However, this special event marks a rare departure from its usual exclusivity, offering a glimpse into centuries of knowledge preserved within its walls.
