Addresses and links to the websites of non-conformist libraries, repositories and societies in England
Dr Williams’ Library, 14 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0AR
Non-conformist manuscripts and printed books, including libraries of dissenting academies and colleges
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7387 3727; or e-mail: enquiries@dwlib.co.uk
John Rylands Library, University of Manchester, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
Central archive of the Methodist Church, at The Methodist Archives and Research Centre (MARC). John Rylands Library also holds Baptist, Congregational, Moravian, Christian Brethren and Unitarian archives.
Telephone: +44 (0)161 834 5343/6765 Fax: +44 (0)161 834 5574
Baptist
Baptist Union Library, PO Box 44, 129 The Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX 11 8RT
Minute books of congregations, dictionary of ministers 1800-1889
Regents' Park College, Angus Library, Pusey Street, Oxford OX1 2LB
Material relating to Baptist history including records and papers of the Baptist Union Library
The Library, Baptist College, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UN
Archives of Western Baptist Association
Secretary: The Revd S.L. Copson, 60 Strathmore Avenue, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1ST
Publishes "The Baptist Quarterly"
The Strict Baptist Historical Society
Formed in 1960 to promote an interest in the history of Strict Baptists; holds books, documents and other things of historical interest connected with the rise and growth of Strict Baptists.
Library address: Dunstable Baptist Chapel, St Mary's Gate, Dunstable, LU6 3SW
Congregationalist
The Congregational Library, Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London, EC4
Administered by Dr Williams’ Library, 14 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0AG, which incorporates the Congregational Library. The Library holds national Congregational records.
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7387 3727; or e-mail: enquiries@dwlib.co.uk
Congregational Federation
See the website of the Congregational Federation, a fellowship of over 300 independent Christian Churches in Great Britain. Includes information on history of the Congregational Church.
Congregational History Circle
Secretary: Revd Colin Price, The Congregational Chapel, Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire, SG8 0JZ
Historical research; conferences.
School of Oriental and African Studies Library, University of London, Thornaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG.
Missionary related material from the Presbyterian and Congregational strands of the United Reformed Church has been deposited at this Library.
Huguenot
The Huguenot Library, University College, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
Huguenot Society members only. For membership information, contact: Mrs Mary Bayliss, Hon Sec, c/o The Huguenot Society, The Huguenot Library, at the above address.
For information regarding the Huguenot Library, please contact Mr Stephen Massil at the above address, or e-mail Contact@huguenotsociety.org.uk
Methodist
Methodist Archives and Research Centre, John Rylands Library, University of Manchester, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH.
Established by the Methodist Church of Great Britain in 1961 to house the Connexional records of the Church. The Centre was originally located at John Wesley's Chapel, City Road, London, but in 1977 it was transferred to the John Rylands University Library of Manchester. Manuscript records include administrative records and personal papers of preachers and ministers.
The Wesley Historical Society, Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX2 9AT
The aim of the Society is to promote study of the history and literature of all branches of Methodism.
Westminster Institute of Education was founded as Westminster College in 1851. It now holds Methodist archives of national & international importance; also collections of the Wesley Historical Society Library and Westminster College, relating to the history and development of Methodism. Also houses the Methodist Collection of Modern Christian Art.
Website associated with the above Institute which provides a guide to the main locations in Britain with buildings or sites of particular Methodist historic interest. Includes a list of centres of significance to the history of Methodism, and those libraries with manuscript or printed sources. For additional enquiries contact: Peter S. Forsaith - Methodist Heritage Convenor - Wesley and Methodist Studies Centre, Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford, OX2 9AT.
Tel: +44 (0)1865 488317 Direct fax: +44 (0)1865 488319
e-mail: methodist-heritage@forsaith-oxon.demon.co.uk
A published directory of centres with significant holdings of manuscript or printed sources is also available from the above Westminster Institute, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX2 9AT Email: wmsc@brookes.ac.uk
Shebbear College and Lake Farm House, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ.
Tel. 01409 281228 Email: enquiries@shebbearcollege.co.uk
The original Farm House was the home of John and Mary Thorne - it is the site of the founding of Bible Christian Movement in October 1815.
Shebbear College is a Methodist School. It is open during term time. Lake Farm House can be seen from the outside only (it is now a private house). The College Archives can be seen by arrangement.
Presbyterian
Presbyterian Historical Society Library, United Reformed Church House, 86 Tavistock Place, London, WC1
School of Oriental and African Studies Library, University of London, Thornaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG.
Missionary related material from the Presbyterian and Congregational strands of the United Reformed Church has been deposited at this Library.
Catholic Central Library, St Pancras Church House, Lancing Street, London, NW1 1ND
Lending and research library, books and periodicals
Secretary: Dr L. Gooch, 12 Melbourne Place, Wolsingham, Co. Durham, DL13 3EH
Publishes transcripts of records and half-yearly journal "Recusant History"
Catholic Family History Society
Secretaries: Mr and Mrs T.G. Goggin, 45 Gates Green Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 9DE
Publishes "Catholic Ancestor"
Other Catholic websites
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