Rare books open a window on past

One of the rare books belonging to the Church of Ireland

A rare collection of more than 7,000 books has been unearthed from beneath cobwebs and dust.

The antique volumes, which belong to the Church of Ireland Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, offer a fascinating insight into life hundreds of years ago.

Some of the books are more than 500 years old. They were lying in musty conditions for years.

But now the University of Ulster has stepped in to preserve this unique collection in Londonderry.

All 7140 books have been individually dusted, cleaned and wrapped in acid free tissue.

The books were mainly collected by former Church of Ireland bishops of Derry, but they are not all religious.

"It is significant because it has lain undiscovered for over 300 years.

"At the start of the 18th century, they were put together by Archbishop King," said Joe McLaughlin of the University of Ulster.

He said that Archbishop King brought together the libraries of previous bishops.

The collection was added to in the 18th century and includes the books of the diocesan school which was to become Foyle College, Londonderry.

The 'learned library' includes Greek and Roman classics, travel and geography books and a copy of Chaucer dated 1598.

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr Ken Good, said he wanted many others to enjoy this remarkable collection.

"This cathedral, this area of the city, the walls, are full of history and this libary is part of that history," he said.

"That is why we are glad the books are staying in this city."

BBC Radio Ulster's Sunday Sequence will be considering the collection on Sunday 14 March.

Properly preserved, the books could last for at least another 500 years - providing future generations with a chapter worth reading.