One of the bookcases still has
all the old chains and fittings for the books, and it presents
a very curious appearance. Every chain is from three to
four feet long, with a ring at each end, and a swivel in the
middle. One ring is strung on to an iron rod, which is
secured at one end of the bookcase by metal work, with
lock and key. For convenience in using the book on the
reading slope which was attached to the case, the ring at
the other end of the chain was fixed to the fore edge of the
book-cover instead of to the back; when standing on
the shelves the books therefore present their fore edges to
the reader. The cases are roughly finished, but very solid
in make.[1]
[1] Havergal, Fasti Heref. (1869), 181-182.
Section IV
At Old Sarum Church, Bishop Osmund (1078-99)
collected, wrote, and bound books.[1] In his time, too, the
chancellor used to superintend the schools and correct
books: either books used in the school or service books.[2]
The income from a virgate of land was assigned to correct-
ing books towards the end of the twelfth century (1175-80).[3]
The new Salisbury Cathedral was erected in the thirteenth
century; but apparently a special library room was not
used until shortly after 1444, when it was put up to cover
the whole eastern cloister.
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