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Ancient manuscripts: Introduction

Balliol has several hundred medieval manuscript books, most of which have been here since the Middle Ages as part of the working library (though normally accessible only to Fellows until the 19th century!) More than half of the collection was the private library and gift to Balliol of one man, William Gray, Bishop of Ely (d.1478): 'by far the finest, as well as the largest, private collection to survive in England from the Middle Ages' (R.W.Hunt VCH Oxfordshire iii 82). Since the Middle Ages, the collection has expanded to include medieval manuscripts given as antiquarian donations; early modern manuscript volumes and letters; and non-western manuscript material in a wide variety of languages, scripts, dates and physical formats, gathered together under the heading of oriental manuscripts.

• History of the collection
• Catalogue
  • Oriental mss
• Images
• Enquiries to the archivist about Balliol's manuscripts or to make appointments to consult them

- Anna Sander