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A rare 19th century parochial library cupboard connected to Monmouthshire, retaining its original printed catalogue sheet titled:
“A Catalogue of the Parochial Library at Monmouth in the County of Monmouthshire.”
This cupboard would originally have been used to store books belonging to a parish library collection, most likely associated with St Mary’s Church in Monmouth or a related parish reading room.
An evocative survivor of early Victorian parish life.
A fascinating Victorian parochial library cupboard dating to the mid-19th century, retaining its original printed catalogue sheet for the Monmouth Parochial Library in Monmouthshire.
During the early Victorian period many churches established “Parochial Libraries” to provide educational and theological reading for clergy and parishioners. Books were organised by shelf and recorded in printed catalogues exactly like the one still preserved inside this cupboard.
The catalogue sheet inside the door is titled:
“A Catalogue of the Parochial Library at Monmouth in the County of Monmouthshire.”
The printed sheet lists books by shelf number, with headings such as:
• 1st Shelf
• 2nd Shelf
• 3rd Shelf
The titles include a range of theological and historical works typical of Anglican parish libraries of the period, including works relating to biblical history, sermons and doctrinal writings.
The cupboard itself is constructed in the simple and robust manner typical of church furniture of the period, with wide plank boards, original shelving and hand-forged iron hardware.
Interestingly, the base board contains four circular ventilation holes. These were intentionally drilled to allow airflow around the stored books, helping prevent damp and mould — a common problem in church vestries and parish reading rooms.
The cupboard was therefore clearly designed specifically for book storage within a church or parish environment.
It is highly likely that the cupboard once stood in a parish vestry, reading room or church school connected to St Mary’s Church in Monmouth, where it would have housed the parish book collection listed in the catalogue.
Pieces of ecclesiastical furniture retaining their original documentation are increasingly scarce, making this a particularly evocative example
Size: 51" high x 28.5" wide x 13" deep
Good antique condition consistent with age and use.
The cupboard retains its original shelves, hinges and handle. The printed catalogue sheet is worn but largely intact and remains a wonderful historic feature.
Expected signs of age including wear, patina and small imperfections contribute to the character of the piece
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Collection from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.
UK delivery available via RouteMule – please enquire for a quote.
