The Three L's

What categories of book were in the early 18th century library? Stock included Bibles in Latin, the literature of the classical Greek and Roman world, patristic writings and Renaissance texts, such as Erasmus’s Adages. The books reflected the rigid classical curriculum of the 18th century grammar school, whose principal function was to teach pupils to speak, read and write Latin. Rud himself was the author of a book on Latin grammar and prose composition used by pupils at this school. Some of the books in the catalogue were set texts; Cicero’s Letters, for example, were a staple of the fourth form Latin course. 

The manuscript is more than just an index of books; it bears witness to later loans and gifts. There is some nice human detail. Then, as now, the life of a library book could be precarious. In 1709, the Reverend Robert Thomlinson borrowed volumes by St Basil and St Gregory of Nyssa - for life! In return, he pledged, “I do promise at my death to give the Schole Library the intire works by both these authors.” His promise was never redeemed, but Edmund Lodge, headmaster of the school 1715-38, records that at least the two books he had originally borrowed were returned on 13 August 1737: a 28-year loan in the end! 

Rud compiled the catalogue prior to leaving Newcastle in 1709. The document testifies to his love of books. On his appointment as headmaster, he had set about organising the library and he oversaw the uniform rebinding of many volumes. The RGS may have been a provincial grammar school, but it owned a rich library, confirming its pedigree as a genuine centre of learning. The scholarly Rud was subsequently appointed librarian to the Dean and Chapter at Durham and spent his later years producing a catalogue of the manuscripts belonging to Durham Cathedral.