Old Library at Trinity Hall

27/05/2026

First articles out now in Hall Histories!
Medieval law, manuscript fragments & Victorian sport—all in one issue.
🔗 https://diamond-oa.lib.cam.ac.uk/communities/98e1938f-a4fb-4794-904b-daba7ebb89ce

22/04/2026

From Mortuary Roll to Digital Manuscript: The Life of William Bateman

Have you ever stopped to wonder what the medieval bishop William Bateman — the founder of Trinity Hall — was actually like as a person? Unlike many later figures, Bateman left behind no diary or personal letters (at least none that survive). Yet thanks to a manuscript preserved in Trinity Hall’s Old Library, and which has recently been digitised, we have a window into his character....

Have you ever stopped to wonder what the medieval bishop William Bateman — the founder of Trinity Hall — was actually like as a person? Unlike many later figures, Bateman left behind no diary or pe…

02/04/2026

This image from our copy of Boethius' Consolations of Philosophy (MS 12) shows Jesus rising from his tomb. Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection and symbolizes hope, renewal, and new life.

06/03/2026

Discover the hidden stories of the women who shaped Trinity Hall’s historic law collection with our latest blog post: “Women Behind the Law Books in Trinity Hall’s Old Library.”
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To celebrate International Women’s Day this post explores some of the women printers whose imprint can be found inside books in the Old Library. They are present – sometimes only as initials…

01/09/2025

We were delighted to welcome Ligia and Adam for a special visit to the Old Library on their wedding day! ❤️
Wishing them a lifetime of love, laughter, and library visits!

24/07/2025

Call for Papers — "Hall Histories: A Trinity Hall Journal" is now accepting submissions for the inaugural issue of our new scholarly journal!

We're looking for original work that explores: 🛡️ Trinity Hall’s history and heritage 📜 Archival research and book or manuscript studies 🏛️ Material culture of the college and its community 🧵 Interdisciplinary reflections on identity, architecture, and memory

🗓️ Submission Deadline: 16/01/26
📩 Send your proposals or questions to: [email protected]

04/07/2025

Congratulations to all our graduands! It was lovely to welcome over 200 visitors to the Old Library on their graduation day.

20/06/2025

Dive into the world of medieval murder and royal reputations with our latest blog post on a fascinating 16th century armorial manuscript in the Old Library:

Richard III by an unknown artist; oil on panel, late 16th century. NPG148 © National Portrait Gallery, London, together with his coat of arms Trinity Hall’s Old Library contains an armorial manuscr…

08/05/2025

As I write, the world awaits the moment when white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—a centuries-old signal that a new pope has been elected. The papal conclave remains one of the most secretive and ritualised processes in the modern world, and recent popular portrayals, such as The Conclave, based on Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, have renewed public fascination with how the College of Cardinals chooses the next leader of the Catholic Church....

As I write, the world awaits the moment when white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—a centuries-old signal that a new pope has been elected. The papal conclave remains one of the …

14/03/2025

Ahead of last night’s incredible talk on the music virtuoso George Bridgtower (1778-1860) and his Cambridge connections, we welcomed the co-presenters and performers to the Old Library for a special visit! They explored our book of music sonatas once owned by Trinity Hall Fellow Charles Hague (1769–1821) — violinist, composer, and Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge.

Hague and his musical family were close friends of Bridgetower, and their story was beautifully brought to life by Professor Victoria Avery (Lead Curator of the Rise Up exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum) and Professor Nicole Cherry (Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Texas). Nicole was accompanied on piano by Dr Wayne Weaver, making for an unforgettable evening of music and history. 🎶📖

Hague's book was acquired in 2019 and contains violin scores by five 18th century composers.