We are the national library of the UK. Our shelves hold over 170 million items - a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we collect everything ...

Our international work includes multiple collaborations, projects and relationships. We work with library sector partners worldwide to make connections, share knowledge and further the work of ...

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Our latest exhibition introduces the women of medieval Europe through their own words, visions and experiences. Discover the themes of the exhibition and some of the star items in our digital webspace ...

Medieval women’s voices evoke a world in which they lived active and varied lives. Their testimonies speak of diverse experiences, revealing female impact and influence across private, public and ...

Narratives about the Middle Ages are dominated by men. Male authors recorded history and wrote great works of literature, male rulers commanded kingdoms and fought wars, male authorities controlled ...

Rebecca Lawrence has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the British Library and will take up the role from 2 January 2025. She succeeds Sir Roly Keating, who has led the Library since 2012.

Join us for transporting exhibitions, events with a host of world-class speakers, courses designed to expand your perspectives and inspiring workshops for families. We have events online, in London, a ...