The story behind Townend’s historic books, cared for by the National Trust

For hundreds of years, Townend in Cumbria has been home to a historically significant book collection made up of around 1,500 books. 45 of these are entirely unique and are the only copies to survive in the world. Some of them tell a story of the rich social history of the local life of Townend, detailed in the unusual chapbook collection.

The oldest book, a copy of the New Testament, dates back over 500 years, and the library spans many subjects such as history, medicine and religion. The Browne family lived at Townend during the 17th century and later expanded the collection with plays, novels, poetry, travel and gardening books.

Today, the National Trust cares for Townend and its book collection. Its survival is largely credited to the last George Browne who lived there, as he was passionate about sharing the history of his family, house and local village. These concerns, to care for historic places, were shared amongst the founders of the National Trust, and prompted them to form a foundation for the conservation of natural and historic places for ever.

For more information on the National Trust’s historic book collections, please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/disc...

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference. Nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever. You can donate to us at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nationaltrust...
Find things to do near you: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sear...
Like us on Facebook:   / nationaltrust  
Follow us on Instagram:   / nationaltrust  
Follow us on Twitter:   / nationaltrust  

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate

#worldbookday #nationaltrust #thelakedistrict #books #heritage #townend