Beneath the imposing façade of Westminster Reference Library, secrets whisper from the very stones. This grand edifice, opened in 1928 by W. Foxley Norris, the Dean of Westminster, stands as a testament to knowledge and history. Westminster Reference Library replaced the former library of the parish of St Martin in the Fields. It’s a beautiful building in the Edwardian baroque style, designed by A. N. Prentice.
Westminster Reference Library houses a vast collection. It boasts specialist collections in fine art, performing arts, business, and law. The library also holds the impressive Westminster Music Library collection. This includes a huge range of sheet music, scores, and books about music. But there’s a quirky secret. Westminster Reference Library also loans telescopes, allowing patrons to explore the cosmos alongside the pages of books.
Westminster Reference Library isn’t just a repository of knowledge. It’s a vibrant hub. The library has hosted a diverse range of events, from concerts featuring artists like Telemachus and Sea Power to art exhibitions showcasing emerging talent. The very walls seem to hum with the echoes of music and the quiet murmur of turning pages.
But beneath the modern bustle lies a deeper history. Westminster Reference Library stands on the site of a former house. This house was once occupied by the brilliant Sir Isaac Newton. Imagine him, gazing up at the night sky from his wooden observatory on the roof, pondering the mysteries of the universe. Later, the novelist Fanny Burney lived in the same house, filling its rooms with stories and characters. The vaulted cellars of their former home still exist beneath Westminster Reference Library, a hidden connection to the past. These cellars, now partially flooded, remain a silent testament to the lives and legacies of those who came before. So next time you visit Westminster Reference Library, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history beneath your feet. The stories whispered within these walls span centuries. They connect us to the great minds and creative spirits who have shaped our world.