The over 70,000 items from the Angus Library and Archive are devoted to the history of the Baptist movement from 1612. The library is located at Regent’s Park College, Oxford and one of the key centres for Baptist ministerial training and studies worldwide. In order to make its treasures available widely, the library has already digitised over 200 titles. These are free to look at and download.
The core of the collection was left to Regent’s Park College by Dr. Joseph Angus, its Principal from 1849 to 1893. The Angus Library now comprises printed books, pamphlets, journals, church histories and manuscripts from the late fifteenth century to the present.
The Angus Library and Archive houses many unique and rare items, many of them related to the Baptist Church’s history and non-conformist and church history in general. Several items in the collection provide insight into the lives and histories of Baptists in Britain and around the world as well as material from non-Baptist sources on topics and controversies in which Baptists were involved.
How to Use the Angus Library and Archive
The Angus Library welcomes anyone who wants to use the collection for researching history, family history, church histories, and laypeople that have an interest in particular events or persons. Access to the library is by appointment only. You will need a form of photographic ID and a letter of reference from someone of standing in your community or a course supervisor. You will also have to fill in a few forms when you arrive but these just take a couple of minutes.
What can you Research at the Angus Library and Archive?
The subjects you can research include at the library:
- People research
- Shipbuilding
- Slavery
- Human rights
- Women’s rights
- Missionary work
- Geography
- Linguistics
Can You Copy or Photograph Books from the Angus Library?
You can book in advance and the library has internet access and allows copies to be taken for research purposes. You will need to sign a copyright waiver and, due to the fragile nature of many books, it’s better if you take photos instead of scanning or photocopying them. It’s recommended that you bring a camera and memory card/s.
What Are the Angus Library and Archive Opening Hours?
The library is open Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It’s closed on both Saturday and Sunday.
