This resource guide provides an overview of some of the items and collections held by the University of Exeter that date to the medieval and early modern period (circa fifth to eighteenth century). The boxes below describe items or collections relating to different centuries and contain links to the catalogues, through which you can explore the collections further.
The resources highlighted in this guide have been identified using our catalogues, but are not exhaustive. You can search our archives catalogue and library catalogue with key word searches to identify further items of interest. More information on searching the catalogues can be found on the Search our Catalogues LibGuide. If you come across any other sources within our collections that you think should be included in this guide, we would be very pleased to hear about them.
Archives and rare books held by Special Collections are available to everyone. More information about accessing the collections can be found in our Visiting Heritage Collections LibGuide. Please note that there may be some restrictions on accessing and copying (including photography) material in the archives and books held by Special Collections in line with current data protection and copyright legislation. Always make sure to check the access conditions on the archive catalogue and email Special Collections before your visit for more information about specific restrictions.
Searching for archives:
Archive material can be found by searching the University of Exeter Special Collections archives catalogue
Searching for books:
Rare books can be found by searching the University of Exeter Library catalogue
Further guidance and tips on using the library catalogue can be found on the Searching our Catalogues LibGuide
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'De Homine' by Albertus Magnus, late 13th century manuscript [EUL MS 200]
A microfilm collection of Anglo-Saxon and Early English manuscripts [EUL MS 261]
A microfilm collection of medieval and renaissance manuscripts [EUL MS 273]
Printed facsimiles of manuscripts dating from 7th to 14th century, including:
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Manuscripts from the collections of the Bridgettine community of Syon Abbey, including several illuminated manuscripts and fragments [EUL MS 262]
Facsimiles include:
Note: To restrict the results to a specific time period, enter a date range under *Refine your results* and *Creation Date*
Crediton Parish Library The Crediton Parish Library contains a great number of theological works, but there is also a good cross-section of other subjects, such as history, politics, science, geography and literature.
The Dodderidge Library (Parish Library of Barnstaple, Devon) The Dodderidge Library consists mainly of pre-1700 books, including a few incunabula. There are many books on theology, British, foreign and classical literatures and on geography, history and the sciences.
Ottery St Mary Parish Library The Ottery St Mary parish library contains books mainly on theological topics dating from the 16th to the 19th century, but also include five 15th-century incunabula.
Rare Books Collection The collection is the main run of pre-1700 books which are owned by the Library and which have been collected over time. The collection covers a range of subject areas, from theology to architecture, from antiquities to history of science.
Syon Abbey Library The Syon Abbey Library comprises more than 1,000 printed books dating from the early sixteenth century to the late twentieth century, including hagiographic, devotional, polemical, and historical works. As well as containing numerous individual titles of interest, the collection as a whole is a rich source of study for ecclesiastical history and religious women's reading habits.
Click the next tabs in this box to find out more about 16th century resources
Manuscripts from the collections of the Bridgettine community of Syon Abbey [EUL MS 262 and EUL MS 262/add1-3]
Syon Abbey archive [EUL MS 389], comprising papers relating to the Bridgettine community's period in exile in the Low Countries, France and Portugal. These include correspondence with ecclesiastical authorities [EUL MS 389/ECC/1/1] and the 1557 Deed of Restoration signed by Cardinal Pole [EUL MS 389/CHAR/1/1]
Mariette family papers, comprising French historical papers relating to the Mariette family and connected families (such as the de Villeblin family), including wills, inventories, and other legal documents, copies of deeds, and private accounts,16th-19th century [EUL MS 36]
Deed relating to the will of John Green of Luton, 1555 [EUL MS 47b]
Note: To restrict the results to a specific time period, enter a date range under *Refine your results* and *Creation Date*
Baring-Gould Library A collection of approximately 3,000 books, the majority of which were collected by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), and include many of his own works. The Library includes books relating to literature, history, theology folklore, fairy tales, religion, music, art, architecture, geography and natural history.
Crediton Parish Library The Crediton Parish Library contains a great number of theological works, but there is also a good cross-section of other subjects, such as history, politics, science, geography and literature.
The Dodderidge Library (Parish Library of Barnstaple, Devon) The Dodderidge Library consists mainly of pre-1700 books, including a few incunabula. There are many books on theology, British, foreign and classical literatures and on geography, history and the sciences.
Exeter Law Society Collection The collection comprises 122 books dating from 1588 to 1906. It contains books, statutes, and law reports, including Ashby and White’s The Great Question (1705), Sir Matthew Hale’s The History of Common Law (1779), 4th Ed., and F. Const’s The Laws Relating to the Poor (1800, 1807).
Hughan Collection A small collection of approximately 150 books dating from 1549 to 1913, focusing mainly on religious themes, including a number of different versions of English Bibles.
Lloyd Collection A collection of rare books with fine bindings created by John Lloyd, the University Librarian at Exeter from 1946 to 1972. It comprises a collection of European fine bindings, illustrated and rare books.
Ottery St Mary Parish Library The Ottery St Mary parish library contains books mainly on theological topics dating from the 16th to the 19th century, but also include five 15th-century incunabula.
Rare Books Collection The collection is the main run of pre-1700 books which are owned by the Library and which have been collected over time. The collection covers a range of subject areas, from theology to architecture, from antiquities to history of science.
A L (Alfred Leslie) Rowse Collection The books taken from his working library are chiefly historical volumes used in his research, including titles on the history of Britain and the history of Devon and Cornwall, with a few literary books interspersed. The collection includes a second edition of Girolamo Pollini’s L’historia ecclesiastica della rivolvzion d’Inghilterra (The ecclesiastical history of the rebellion of England, 1594), which was once owned by Richard Topcliffe - interrogator and torturer in service of Queen Elizabeth I - and contains Topcliffe's annotations and signature in the margins.
Syon Abbey Library The Syon Abbey Library comprises more than 1,000 printed books dating from the early sixteenth century to the late twentieth century, including hagiographic, devotional, polemical, and historical works. As well as containing numerous individual titles of interest, the collection as a whole is a rich source of study for ecclesiastical history and religious women's reading habits.
Totnes Parish Library The Totnes Library dates back to the early years of the seventeenth century. The collection is strongest in its representation of seventeenth-century titles on divinity.
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Manuscripts from the collections of the Bridgettine nuns of Syon Abbey [EUL MS 262/add1 and EUL MS 262/add2] including amongst others: a revised edition of the Rule of St Augustine and the Constitutions of St Bridget, containing the signatures of sisters and brothers of Syon Abbey, c 1607 [EUL MS 262/add1/2]
Syon Abbey archive [EUL MS 389], comprising papers relating to the Bridgettine community's period in exile in the Low Countries, France and Portugal. These include correspondence with ecclesiastical authorities [EUL MS 389/ECC/1/1-4] and signed vows of sisters [EUL MS 389/COM/2/1/1-3].
John Dodderidge's 'History of Wales, Cornwall and Chester' manuscript copy, 1603 [EUL MS 6]
'Dialogue between a Councillor of State and a Justice of the Peace' by Walter Raleigh, manuscript copy c 1615 [EUL MS 98]
John Keymor's treatise on trade, manuscript copy c 1620 [EUL MS 97]
Seventeenth century commonplace book, manuscript, c 1624, including papers relating to Parliament, the House of Commons and treaties with Spain [EUL MS 32]
Commonplace book of Devon cleric Joseph Ayres, manuscript, 1650 [EUL MS 40]
Third printed volume of a 'Rule for Perfection' by Revd. Francis Bennet of Essex, 17th century [EUL MS 70]
Mariette family papers, comprising French historical papers relating to the Mariette family and connected families (such as the de Villeblin family), including wills, inventories, and other legal documents, copies of deeds, and private accounts,16th-19th century [EUL MS 36]
Browse our archive catalogue for further historical resources.
The collections include:
Note: To restrict the results to a specific time period, enter a date range under *Refine your results* and *Creation Date*
Baring-Gould Library A collection of approximately 3,000 books, the majority of which were collected by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), and include many of his own works. The Library includes books relating to literature, history, theology folklore, fairy tales, religion, music, art, architecture, geography and natural history.
Crediton Parish Library The Crediton Parish Library contains a great number of theological works, but there is also a good cross-section of other subjects, such as history, politics, science, geography and literature.
Crediton Parish Library Pamphlets This Crediton Parish Library includes 1225 seventeenth- and eighteenth-century pamphlets, many on non-conformist topics. Most of the works cover the period 1670-1720 and they form a useful source for the history, politics, religious controversy and literature of those years.
The Dodderidge Library (Parish Library of Barnstaple, Devon) The Dodderidge Library consists mainly of pre-1700 books, including a few incunabula. There are many books on theology, British, foreign and classical literatures and on geography, history and the sciences.
Exeter Law Society Collection The collection comprises 122 books dating from 1588 to 1906. It contains books, statutes, and law reports, including Ashby and White’s The Great Question (1705), Sir Matthew Hale’s The History of Common Law (1779), 4th Ed., and F. Const’s The Laws Relating to the Poor (1800, 1807).
Hughan Collection A small collection of approximately 150 books dating from 1549 to 1913, focusing mainly on religious themes, including a number of different versions of English Bibles.
Lloyd Collection A collection of rare books with fine bindings created by John Lloyd, the University Librarian at Exeter from 1946 to 1972. It comprises a collection of European fine bindings, illustrated and rare books.
Ottery St Mary Parish Library The Ottery St Mary parish library contains books mainly on theological topics dating from the 16th to the 19th century, but also include five 15th-century incunabula.
Rare Books Collection The collection is the main run of pre-1700 books which are owned by the Library and which have been collected over time. The collection covers a range of subject areas, from theology to architecture, from antiquities to history of science.
A L (Alfred Leslie) Rowse Collection The books taken from his working library are chiefly historical volumes used in his research, including titles on the history of Britain and the history of Devon and Cornwall, with a few literary books interspersed.
Society of Friends Collection The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) have been active in Exeter since the late 1650s, with a Meeting House first constructed in 1691. The collection comprises 129 items and represents what is believed to be part of a monthly meeting library and was transferred from the Quaker Meeting House in Exeter.
Syon Abbey Library The Syon Abbey Library comprises more than 1,000 printed books dating from the early sixteenth century to the late twentieth century, including hagiographic, devotional, polemical, and historical works. As well as containing numerous individual titles of interest, the collection as a whole is a rich source of study for ecclesiastical history and religious women's reading habits.
Totnes Parish Library The Totnes Library dates back to the early years of the seventeenth century. The collection is strongest in its representation of seventeenth-century titles on divinity.
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Syon Abbey archive [EUL MS 389], comprising papers relating to the Bridgettine community's period in exile in the Low Countries, France and Portugal. These include correspondence with ecclesiastical authorities [EUL MS 389/ECC/1], vows of sisters [EUL MS 389/COM/2/1/4], a letter from Sister Kitty Witham (1756) [EUL MS PERS/WITHAM], and an account book (1768) [EUL MS 389/FIN/1/1/1]
Gale and Morant Family Papers (Content advice: Papers within this collection contain problematic language or terms that have changed meaning over time) [EUL MS 44; EUL MS 44 add. 1; EUL MS 130.] relating to the management of family-owned sugar plantations in Jamaica at the height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and comprising include correspondence, accounts and other papers (1731-1939).
Mariette family papers, comprising French historical papers relating to the Mariette family and connected families (such as the de Villeblin family), including wills, inventories, and other legal documents, copies of deeds, and private accounts,16th-19th century [EUL MS 36]
Eighteenth century French political satires and love poem [EUL MS 125]
Copy of Arabic manuscript by al-'Awtabi in six parts (c 1703) [EUL MS 119/4/6]
Nuovo Ritratti della corte di Francia (1704), a manuscript account of the French Court entitled [EUL MS 30b]
Gentleman's almanack of Richard Bent (1718) The volume bears the title: 'Ephemeris Generosus. Or the Gentlemans Almanack. Containing an Astronomical View of the Heavens for the year of our Lord God, 1718, being the second after Bissextile, or Leap Yeare.' The calculations are made for the 'meridian of London'. [EUL MS 24]
Lady Jersey's personal papers (18th-19th century), including invitations to events, political satires, and short communications. [EUL MS 10]
Browse our archive catalogue for further historical resources.
The collections include:
Baring-Gould Library A collection of approximately 3,000 books, the majority of which were collected by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), and include many of his own works. The Library includes books relating to literature, history, theology folklore, fairy tales, religion, music, art, architecture, geography and natural history.
Crediton Parish Library The Crediton Parish Library contains a great number of theological works, but there is also a good cross-section of other subjects, such as history, politics, science, geography and literature.
Crediton Parish Library Pamphlets This Crediton Parish Library includes 1225 seventeenth- and eighteenth-century pamphlets, many on non-conformist topics. Most of the works cover the period 1670-1720 and they form a useful source for the history, politics, religious controversy and literature of those years.
Exeter Law Society Collection The collection comprises 122 books dating from 1588 to 1906. It contains books, statutes, and law reports, including Ashby and White’s The Great Question (1705), Sir Matthew Hale’s The History of Common Law (1779), 4th Ed., and F. Const’s The Laws Relating to the Poor (1800, 1807).
Fox Collection The Fox Collection is a small collection of 54 17th to 20th century books mostly on topics relating to Quaker history. The collection was created by Mr Hubert Fox, who lived in Devon and who published a few books on naval and Quaker history.
Hughan Collection A small collection of approximately 150 books dating from 1549 to 1913, focusing mainly on religious themes, including a number of different versions of English Bibles.
Lloyd Collection A collection of rare books with fine bindings created by John Lloyd, the University Librarian at Exeter from 1946 to 1972. It comprises a collection of European fine bindings, illustrated and rare books.
Ottery St Mary Parish Library The Ottery St Mary parish library contains books mainly on theological topics dating from the 16th to the 19th century, but also include five 15th-century incunabula.
Reserve Collection of post-1700 rare books The books in the Reserve Collection include individual volumes transferred from the Library's main sequence of loan books, as well as gifts and purchases. The historical aspect of all academic subjects taught at the University are represented, from art history to literature, from the history of science to the history of law.
A L (Alfred Leslie) Rowse Collection The books taken from his working library are chiefly historical volumes used in his research, including titles on the history of Britain and the history of Devon and Cornwall, with a few literary books interspersed.
Society of Friends Collection The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) have been active in Exeter since the late 1650s, with a Meeting House first constructed in 1691. The collection comprises 129 items and represents what is believed to be part of a monthly meeting library and was transferred from the Quaker Meeting House in Exeter.
Syon Abbey Library The Syon Abbey Library comprises more than 1,000 printed books dating from the early sixteenth century to the late twentieth century, including hagiographic, devotional, polemical, and historical works. As well as containing numerous individual titles of interest, the collection as a whole is a rich source of study for ecclesiastical history and religious women's reading habits.
This index gives brief details of the map collections held by the University of Exeter Special Collections and contains links to the catalogues, through which you can explore the collections further.
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The Cartography Collection consists of a selection of the maps and atlases deposited by the Geography Department Map Library into Special Collections in 2005. The selection was made on the basis of age, value and interest, and includes first edition of the Ordnance Survey 1" to the mile maps of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset made in 1809-1811, four of Ogilby's linear road maps of the Westcountry of c 1675, and a collection of "escape maps" printed on silk and given to military personnel (mostly airmen) who were shot down or captured during the Second World War to help them escape back to the United Kingdom. There is also a large collection of the 1" and 25" OS maps of the British Isles, mostly from the earlier part of the 20th century.
Kenneth Maxwell Constable, MA, was born in 1888 and died in 1937. In 1925 he came to Exeter to be the first Warden of Reed Hall; shortly after this he was appointed Warden of Mardon Hall. He also took up the post of Lecturer in Mathematics at the then University College of the South West. Among many interests listed in his obituary was the collecting of old maps: the 94 maps of the Constable Collection are the results of his efforts in this field. Most of the Constable maps (77 out of 94) cover the British Isles (general, regional, county). These include eighteen maps of Devon, twenty-nine maps of Wales and its counties, and, perhaps surprisingly, five maps of England's smallest county Rutland. The earliest map in the Constable Collection is an edition of Ptolemy's Hibernia et Albion, published between 1510 and 1530.
The strengths of the Edmund Collection lie in local history. The main emphasis is upon Exeter and East Devon, although there is some material from West Devon (such as Plymouth) and Dorset and Cornwall. There are a few more general books in the collection, covering British history. The majority of the items (which includes books, pamphlets, periodicals and maps) covers various aspects of the west country, notably the history of towns and villages and their residents. Social history is well-represented with material on religion, transport (particularly railways), education and local myths and legends.
R.W.Townsend was a member of an old Exeter family who had been publishers and booksellers in the city for many years. He had an interest in the development of Exeter and formed a small collection of old maps to illustrate this. All of the Townsend maps cover the British Isles (general, regional, county). The strength of the Townsend Collection is the nine maps of Exeter tracing the development of the city from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
