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.