Manuscripts

The Abbey Archives and Library constitute one of the largest collections of research material in the South West of England.

The collection contains the centralised papers of the English Benedictine Congregation as well as a substantial collection of material from Downside’s daughter foundation at Ealing, London. The Library is the largest private library in the South West of England. Its strengths are in Philosophy, Theology, Patristics, History, Biblical Exegesis and Sundials. Its Rare Book Collection is one of the finest in the country.

The Archive collections include:

• The papers of the Barons of Petre.
• A large collection of letters and architectural drawings ranging from Sir Ninian Comper, Pugin, Dunn and Hansom and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.
• Papers of the First Baron Acton – the celebrated historian.
• Augustine Baker: Benedictine mystic and ecclesiastical historian.
• Edmund Bishop: liturgical scholar and historian.
• Bishop Christopher Butler: auxiliary bishop of Westminster.
• The papers of the Abbots and Priors of Downside Abbey.
• The Camm MSS.
• The papers of Cardinal Aidan Gasquet: Vatican Librarian and Prior of Downside.
• Ethelbert Horne: Benedictine monk and archaeologist.
• Bishop William Ullathorne: Bishop of Birmingham and monk of Downside.
• Archbishop Bede Vaughan: Archbishop of Sydney.
• MSS of the Vicars Apostolic of the Western Vicariate.
• The Wilberforce MSS.
• The Catholic Record Society Archive.

Further details of selected collections can be found from the National Register of Archives by clicking here.

All Archive and Library enquiries should be addressed:

Abbey Archives and Library,
Downside Abbey,
Stratton on the Fosse,
BATH,
BA3 4RH

Email: heritage@downsideabbey.co.uk