Wimborne Minster and the Chained Library/Astronomical Clock

While visiting Wimborne in Dorset, UK, I popped in to Wimborne Minster, which is a Saxon Church with Norman and Gothic architecture.

The Minster's location is in the lovely market town of Wimborne which has lots of shops and eateries. I especially wanted to see the chained library within the church. The library is only open for viewing at certain hours. I was lucky that it was open today.

The library is at the top of a spiral stone staircase which were a bit too steep for my liking, but I managed it. In the room there was a free tour guide. As I nearly tripped up on the last step, I just managed to compose myself before hurtling into a group of people. I decided to keep to the back as I find tour guides a little boring. I prefer to investigate on my own.

I did overhear from the guide an explanation of why the books were attached to a chain. It was actually to stop people stealing the books. The reader could still browse the books as the chain was quite long. The practice was quite common from the Middle Ages to around the 18th century. The librarians also put curses on them as well to keep the books from being stolen. I quietly took a few photos and went back downstairs.

Also in the Minster there is a 14th century astronomical clock which is said to be one of the most ancient working clocks in Europe. This clock doesn't just tell the time, it also displays the positions of the sun, moon, and some planets, which is quite cool.

I just managed to look around the outskirts of the church before the heavens opened teeming it down with rain.