Tavistock Subscription Library

Begun as a Literary Club by four young men then aged 17-21, the Subscription Library was formalised three and half years later in June 1799 by the very same; John Taylor, William Evans, Edward Bray and John Commins. The Library was patronised from 1810 by the 6th Duke and Duchess of Bedford and has been resident at Court Gate, off Guildhall Square, in a building especially created for the Library by the 6th Duke about 1830. The old-fashioned charm of the Reading Room belies the breadth and depth of knowledge contained within the collections of books, documents and paintings housed within. Focused on Tavistock and surrounding areas, principally Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley, the Library is a much-valued reference resource for students of local authors and local history. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse books about and by William Morris, a giant of the creative world and one-time director of the local Devon Great Consols mine, the world’s largest arsenic producer; see his wallpaper design of 1875, entitled Marigold, in reproduction on the walls. Usually open to the public on Friday mornings 10am to 12pm, volunteers will be welcoming visitors from 10am to 4pm on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, and Friday 15th, Saturday 16th September. There will be local interest books for sale and refreshments available, or somewhere cool if you just want a sit a while for more information visit www.tavistocksubscriptionlibrary.co.uk

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

10.00 - 16.00

Saturday 07 September:

10.00 - 16.00

Friday 13 September:

10.00 - 16.00

Saturday 14 September:

10.00 - 16.00

Location & directions

Court Gate, Bedford Square, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0AE

Contact on day:

Simon Dell 07845 176870

Telephone number:

+447845176870

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

This is a Victorian building with a narrow door so not accessible to wheelchairs or puschairs

Check out our online channels

Back to results