Department of Manuscripts
The British Library
Post-classical, Medieval and Renaissance cartography; military, estate and architectural plans; nautical charts; and topographical drawings of Great Britain, the English-speaking world, Western Europe, the Mediterranean and oceanic areas.
Special collections include the RUSI MAP COLLECTION (approx. 900 items, l7th-2Oth centuries); the BAUZA COLLECTION of South American Cartography (ca.270 18th century manuscript maps); the COTTON 'AUGUSTUS' COLLECTION (ca.250 16th-17th century manuscript maps); and the maps of the parishes, baronies, counties and provinces of Ireland, mainly from William Petty's 'Down' Survey of 1655-58.
Catalogues available:
Explore The British Library; Archives and Manuscripts
Printed catalogues available in Manuscripts Reading Room
Address
96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
Main contact
Telephone number
2074127702
E-mail address
Opening hours
Tue-Sat: 9:30-17:00; Mon: 10:00-17:00
Access
Access by reader’s pass. How to get a reader's pass - https://www.bl.uk/help/how-to-get-a-reader-pass.
For selected material you will need a letter of introduction.
Access to manuscripts and archives - http://www.bl.uk/help/access-manuscripts-and-archives.
For restricted material contact Reference Team at mss@bl.uk
Facilities
Items in our collections can be copied, subject to UK copyright legislation and preservation guidelines. The Library provides a range of copying services, some available in the Library's Reading Rooms, others available to remote customers.
Photography is allowed. Some restrictions may apply. Ask at the Reference Desk.
Catalogues
Last revision