Dodderidgian Library

The Dodderidgian Library (Latin: Bibliotheca Doddridgiana[2]) was founded in 1667 in Barnstaple, North Devon, England, by Judith Dodderidge, third wife and widow of John Dodderidge (1610–1659)[3] of Barnstaple and Bremridge,[4] South Molton, MP.

It represents one of the earliest town libraries in England which continues in existence since its foundation.

The bequest was of 112 volumes, many of which were originally from the library of her husband's wealthy and prominent uncle Sir John Doddridge (1555–1628), of Barnstaple and Bremridge, MP and a Justice of the King's Bench, as evidenced by his signature in several of them.

A special building was erected to house the books at the north-east corner of the external walls of the chancel of St Peter's Church, Barnstaple.

The original home of the library was in a small purpose-built two storey crenellated building formed by adding two walls to a concave corner on the north-east end of St Peter's Church, Barnstaple, to form a rectangular building.

The Dodderidgian Library, Barnstaple. View looking northward along Church Walk towards Butchers Row
Stone tablet set into external wall of The Dodderidgian Library, Barnstaple, inscribed: Bibliotheca Doddridgiana 1667
Crenellation on The Dodderidgian Library, showing the armorials of the Corporation of Barnstaple: Gules, a castle of three towers conjoined argent the centre tower larger than the others [ 1 ]
The Dodderidgian Library, Barnstaple. View above roof level looking towards the south-west. The building abuts onto the north-east corner of St Peter's Church, the lead-encased steeple of which is partly visible