Leeds
The library is open:
Monday to Friday
10.00 – 12.00
14.00 – 16.00
The majority of the 40,000 books, pamphlets and journals in the collection relate to the history and development of arms and armour (excluding artillery) from the earliest period to the present day. Amongst the rarer items are a mid 15th century Firework Book, showing the manufacture and use of gunpowder, and a rare Japanese block book, illustrating a samurai warrior preparing for battle.
There is also a special collection of museum and exhibition catalogues, and a run of arms and militaria auction sales catalogues dating back to the 1790’s, as well as copies of the various films and videos on show around the Museum, including the popular Arms in Action series.
The remainder of the collection deals with the civilian and military use of weapons. There are books and journals on military history and the art of war, with a special collection of early drill books and manuals dating from the early 17th to late 19th centuries, and including the works of Sir John Smythe, Jacob De Gheyn, and Henry Hexham amongst others.
There is a large section on hunting and shooting including the diaries, journals and memoirs of many famous sportsmen, such as Ewart Grogan and Theodore Roosevelt, and instructional works written by the likes of Ezekial Baker and W.W. Greener. There are also sections on archery and target shooting.
There are works on various aspects of chivalry and knighthood, in particular the tournament. These include two rare manuscripts: An account of the jousts between Jehan Chalons of England and Loys de Beul of France at Tours in 1446, and the Ordinances of Chivalry of Philip IV of France, as well as a number of facsimile reprints of other important 16th century tournament books.
There is a small section on duelling and an important collection of early books on fencing dating from the 16th to 19th centuries, and including the works of Marozzo, di Grassi, George Silver and others. The Library also owns the earliest-known fencing manual dating from the mid 13th century and showing the use of sword and buckler.
We offer an enquiry service, picture research facilities, and a photocopying service.
Email: library@armouries.org.uk
