We are now in the Capitulary Library, a remarkable collection of over 1800 volumes dating from between the 15th and 20th centuries. This is the fruit of the dedication of canons who have been collecting and donating the volumes ever since the dawn of print. The collection also comprises exceptional incunabula, or 15th century editions, the very first examples of printed press.

These volumes cover hugely diverse subjects: from local history, to Latin classics, and there is even an invaluable 1518 copy of the Codex Justinianus. The eminent Corpus Iuris Civilis, of which this work is part, is a codification of Roman law ordered by Justinian I early in the 6th century AD to review the empire’s juridical system. It is not unusual that as well as numerous theological volumes, especially those written after the Council of Trent, the Library also holds this indispensable work on the study of law, because canons used to be the principal administrators of the church but were also very well respected for their juridical competency.

The entire collection is preserved in armoires specifically built for this room at the end of the 1800s.

Look up to see our patron saint, St Magno, depicted on a wooden panel with gilded silver and a velvet antependium. Up until a century ago, the latter used to adorn the Cathedral’s altar on patronal feast days.