Cosin'S Library (University Library)

DURHAM AND FRAMWELLGATE PALACE GREEN NZ 2742 SW (West side)

14/351 Cosin's Library 19.10.62 (University Library) (formerly listed as CV II* Cousin's Library)

Library. 1667-8 by John Longstaffe for Bishop Cosin who gave it for public use. Coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings; roofs of sandstone flags. 2 storeys, one wide bay. Central door with 3 over 3 elliptical- headed panels in stone architrave under open and broken segmental scrolled pediment which contains coat of arms. 3-light stone mullioned-and-transomed window above has segmental-headed lights. Eaves string; high parapet, altered in C19 from battlements to conceal heightened roof pitch, has roll-moulded coping. 2-storey canted porch at right, added mid C19, has door in elliptical- headed surround. 3 elliptical-headed windows above.

Interior: internal porch has rear screen panelled in same style as door; inserted gallery on octagonal wood columns, with spiral stair of wood and iron. Bookcases, with dentilled cornices over frieze painted with portraits of philosophers and other famous men, alternate with narrow bays, now filled with shelves, which have swag decoration in segmental pediments on cornices. Scrolled pediment over internal porch has swag and coat of arms. 1845 stone chimney piece in Tudor style in memory of Bishop Thorpe. Small room added at rear in 1670 by Longstaffe.

A scheduled ancient monument.

Listing NGR: NZ2734342284