Magdalene Library News
Library News
Play Quartos
The Pepys and Old Library collections include quartos of Shakespeare's Hamlet, Webster's Dutchesse of Malfy, and other plays, with manuscript annotations from James Duport.
Samuel Pepys’s Diary
Explore Samuel Pepys's diary in this virtual exhibition, showcasing his remarkable observations on 17th-century life. Discover his diary’s origins, shorthand system, and key items from his collection.
Magdalene Boat Club: Part Two
Magdalene Boat Club has had remarkable triumphs, from winning the Visitors’ Challenge Cup in 1967 to the rise of women’s rowing. The club’s success continues with growth on the horizon.
Ballads
The Pepys Library houses a rich collection of broadside ballads, including bawdy, historical, and musical works like The North Country Lovers, My Dog and I, and The Husbandman.
Pepys and Music
Pepys was an avid enthusiast for all aspects of music: he tried his hand at several musical instruments, was a competent singer and dabbled in composition.
An Astell Pseudonym Uncovered
Great Fire of London
Explore the Pepys Library's virtual exhibition, featuring rare items from the Great Fire of London, including Samuel Pepys's diary, historical maps, fire-fighting innovations, and more.
John Pepys goes to Cambridge
Ellie Swire explores John Pepys' university journey at Cambridge, detailing his relationship with his brother Samuel and their academic struggles, from arrival in 1660 to his eventual career.
Magdalene Boat Club: The First Hundred Years
Magdalene Boat Club (MBC), founded in 1828, rose to prominence with alumni like George Mallory. MBC’s history includes triumphs, challenges, Henley Regatta, and the Magdalene Pairs race.
Bindings Workshop
Magdalene College’s Old Library hosted a bookbinding workshop led by Dr Emily Dourish, highlighting binding features that reveal a book's history, materials, and origins, valuable for cataloguing rare books.