Old Library

The library housed an impressive collection of books on a range of subjects, all chained to the shelves so that they could be read but not taken away.   At the core of the medieval curriculum were the three disciplines of logic, grammar and rhetoric – subjects that would enable young men to think and to write clearly and persuasively.   These were highly transferable skills, and many students were quite content to leave after a few years, with this level of education.  Of those who stayed, some went on to study in law or medicine, some theology.