The online Manuscripts Catalogue offers a single means of
access to the mainstream catalogues of the British Library Department of
Manuscripts. The component catalogues cover:
-
all types of handwritten material in Western languages;
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documents ranging in date from the pre-Christian era to the present day;
-
manuscript acquisitions of the British Museum
and British Library from 1753 onwards.
The published volumes were scanned to create this online catalogue. The
quality of the content reflects the varying cataloguing standards of nearly two
centuries, but conversion errors are gradually being corrected and recent
entries representing work in progress are subject to revision and enhancement.
The lists of catalogues included and
catalogues not yet online show current availability. All the catalogues listed,
together with many other special catalogues which are not automated, can be
consulted in hard copy in the Library's Manuscripts Reading Room in its St
Pancras building in London. Catalogues of other British Library collections
are feely available on our website.
Most manuscripts may be consulted in the Manuscripts Reading
Room (or the Rare Books and Music Reading Room for music manuscripts post 1500).
You need to register for a Reader Pass to use our Reading Rooms. Additionally, certain manuscripts require written approval before they can be made available.
You should note that manuscripts may be withdrawn or restricted in use
for preservation or other reasons. Inclusion in this catalogue does not
guarantee that an item can be consulted, although a surrogate will be offered if
possible. Readers who have a long distance to travel are advised to contact Manuscripts Reference Enquiries.
You cannot place orders via the Manuscripts Catalogue. Most manuscripts have to be ordered using the Library’s Integrated Catalogue; information is available in the Catalogue’s
Help or from Manuscripts Reference Enquiries.
This catalogue does not contain images of the manuscripts described, but
examples may be seen on the following websites:
You can also purchase reproductions, from Imaging Services.
If you would like help in using this catalogue or are unsuccessful in your
search you can:
Manuscript Collections
The British Library
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7513
Fax: +44 (0)20 7412 7745
Email: mss@bl.uk
