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The latest news and views from Gladstone's Library.

The Grand Old Man and his legacy

by Gladstones Library | Thursday, 17th December 2015

One of the most popular questions we're asked on our Glimpses is ‘did Gladstone live here?’ The answer is no, he didn’t. Sadly, although Gladstone worked so hard to leave his scholarly legacy behind, building his collection from the ground up and helping to design the very shelves within, Gladstone himself never walked through the Hogwarts-like library admiring the wood carving and the silence. That isn’t to say you can't sense his legacy though…


Hawarden: a history

by Gladstones Library | Wednesday, 16th December 2015

Have you ever wondered about the history of the little village that we’re nestled in? Well, we’ve been digging around to bring you some of the facts!


We're raring up for Hearth

by Gladstones Library | Friday, 11th December 2015

The perfect weekend for writers and readers is on its way! 6th – 7th February we welcome four wordsmiths to sit beside the fire in the Gladstone Room and share their stories.


The Gladstones and the Pankhursts by Rachel Holmes

by Gladstones Library | Wednesday, 25th November 2015

I’ve spent the day dusting off the historical connections between the Gladstones and the Pankhursts. These legendary British political families didn’t exactly have reciprocal dinner parties or exchange Christmas cards, but for the best part of two generations, they catalyzed each other’s lives.



2 for 1 on winter breaks!

by Gladstones Library | Wednesday, 18th November 2015

To celebrate the release of our 2016 programme of events, we are running a special offer on our accommodation.


Turn to books for the perfect present this Christmas!

by Gladstones Library | Friday, 13th November 2015

Halloween is well and truly over, the embers of Bonfire Night have dwindled away and now that November is in full swing it’s time to start thinking about what you might like to buy your loved ones for Christmas. Unless you simply ask someone what they’d like, it can be very difficult to decide on the perfect gift. Of course, at Gladstone’s Library we suggest you can rarely go wrong with a good book!


A Feast of Words and Ideas: Gladfest by Robyn Cadwallader

by Gladstones Library | Tuesday, 10th November 2015

September isn’t the time to leave Australia and go travelling to the other side of the world. It’s the first month of spring. The air moves more lightly; the hard, hopeful buds are beginning to swell; the trees are coated in the bright green of young leaves; the blossom appears, seemingly, overnight; and the magpies turn ballsy. Outside my kitchen the Wisteria transforms from winding sticks to purple lanterns and the veggie garden grows weeds at an alarming rate.





Interview with visiting philosopher Jane Dryden

by Gladstones Library | Friday, 23rd October 2015

Throughout the month of October, philosopher Jane Dryden has been staying at the Library as our Theologian in Residence.

On a not-so-sunny day mid-month, we sat down with her to find out what she’s been working on, tucked away at her favourite gallery desk…







Gladfest 2015 social highlights

by Administrator | Wednesday, 09th September 2015

Browse the fantastic selection of photographs and comments from across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram which chronicled the Gladfest weekend.




Salley Vickers talks inspiration and style in another SOLD OUT Writers in Residence event

by Gladstones Library | Friday, 14th August 2015

‘A short story is like a love affair’ – Salley Vickers describes her latest published work, The Boy Who Could See Death, remarking on the difference between her many novels and her latest collection of short stories. For the lucky people who find themselves in front of the phenomenally successful author on Tuesday night, it proves to be a moving and insightful evening with discussion ranging from Salley’s childhood memories of Venice to her experiences as a psycho-analytical specialist.




    Reflections - by Lachlan Mackinnon

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 31st July 2015

    'On my way here, I read Joanne Limburg’s terrific new novel, A Want of Kindness, about Queen Anne. Quite apart from lighting up a patch of history I knew nothing about, the novel so engrossed me that I felt I was travelling through a much older country. I was therefore briefly startled by how much Gladstone’s Library is a child of his century...'



    Founder's Day 2015 - watch the video

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 24th July 2015

    Loyd Grossman takes the chair for our Annual Gladstone Lecture as our multi-talented panel discuss whether the Library currently demonstrates the same enthusiasm for spirituality, literary culture and political discourse as the Grand Old Man himself.

    Our panellists answer the question 'Does the Library remain truly ‘Gladstonian’ today?


    A Walk in the Woods - a blog by Chaplain, Penelope Duckworth

    by Gladstones Library | Thursday, 23rd July 2015

    One of the many joys of being at Gladstone's Library, where I have come to serve two months as Chaplain, is to go for a walk through the Gladstone estate, which the family kindly offers to the public and gives further access (with an available pass) to Residents of the Library.



    George Osborne visits Gladstone's Library

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 17th July 2015

    George Osborne visits the Library of his most famous predecessor, who delivered 12 budgets over his long political career and whose budget box he used himself upon delivering his first. 




    Theologian in Residence: Justin Lewis-Anthony reflects on his longest visit yet.

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 10th July 2015

    Monday 29th June 2015, Gladstone’s Library

    The Rev. Justin Lewis-Anthony, Ph. D., is currently the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Anglican Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, where he joined in August 2013. He is also a regular contributor on church and state matters for The Guardian newspaper.



    Shortlist for our 2016 Writers in Residence programme announced

    by Gladstones Library | Thursday, 09th July 2015

    Gladstone’s Library has revealed the 10 books shortlisted for its successful Writers in Residence programme.

    Now into its fifth year, the prize was established by Gladstone’s Library in association with Damian Barr (saloniere and author of Maggie and Me) to explore and define liberal values in the twenty-first century.

    The shortlist is made up of novels, poetry and creative non-fiction that, in the eyes of the shortlisters, best represent some of the most creative writing in the world today.



    In Conversation with the Chair of Trustees, Michael Wheeler

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 03rd July 2015

    Last month Gladstone’s Library welcomed in its new Chair of Trustees, Professor Michael Wheeler.

    Just after his first Management Committee as Chairman, we talked to Michael to find out about his background, his involvement with the library over time and to get his first words as the new Chair “who just happens to have been around here for four decades…”






    Friends' Visit To The Portico Library

    by Gladstones Library | Thursday, 30th April 2015

    One of the benefits of being a Friend of Gladstone’s Library is the opportunity to take part in group visits to places of interest in the company of your fellow Friends.









    Airbus comes to Gladstone's Library

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 20th February 2015

    An exhibition of photographs marking 75 years of aerospace in Broughton embarks on a public tour next week with a three week visit to Gladstone’s Library.


    Great Accommodation at Gladstone's Library

    by Gladstones Library | Friday, 13th February 2015

    Gladstone's Library: Offering great accommodation near Chester & North Wales

    Recognised as one of the most important research libraries and collections in Wales & 5 star accommodation reviews on trip advisor Gladstone's Library is a truly wonderful place to stay.