The British Library

Describing the British Library as a ‘national treasure’ seems almost like not doing it justice. After all, there are certain things — even people — that have attracted that tag whether, in my opinion, they deserve it or not. And, no, I won’t be naming names.

Back to business: I visited the British Library to see, among other things, a new exhibition in the Treasures Gallery, ‘The Power of the Printed Word: Tyndale’s New Testament 1526 – 2026’. It’s an enthralling display in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the first complete printing — around 3,000 copies — of William Tyndale’s 1526 English translation of the New Testament.  

Tyndale’s New Testament was written in plain English, bringing the Bible to people in their own language for the first time. So it is notable event in the histories of both the English Bible and the English language itself.

In those days, publishing the Bible in English was illegal, so the books were smuggled into England and read in secret. By owning or handling a Tyndale Bible, people risked persecution because the authorities saw the book as a threat to the power of the Church. In a tragic footnote, Tyndale himself was executed in 1536. His words, however, lived on long after his death, surviving in later editions of the Bible and giving rise to phrases still used in English today.

Only three of that first print run escaped seizure and burning. They stand as powerful reminders of both the transformative power of the printed word and the risks once taken to read it.

It was a unique opportunity to see the library’s copy of the 1526 New Testament alongside other rare printed books and manuscripts from the period, including Anne Boleyn’s copy of the 1534 edition of Tyndale’s New Testament and Henry VIII’s copy of the Great Bible.

The Tyndale exhibition closes on Monday 29 June 2026.

From handwritten Beatles lyrics to original Alice in Wonderland illustrations, The Treasures of the British Library section includes some of the world's most exciting, beautiful and significant books, maps and manuscripts. This permanent exhibition would not be complete without William Shakespeare, Beowulf and Magna Carta, but there is also room for the surrealist humour of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

There is also the option of a guided tour of these treasures conducted by one of the library’s experts — they are ever keen to share fun facts and little-known stories.

Tours last approximately 60 minutes and leave from the Information Desk.

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland

The British Library is free to visit and open to everyone. You can find it at 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB.

Getting there

·       The nearest tube/mainline station to the British Library is King's Cross St. Pancras, about 500 metres away. The library is a five-minute walk via Midland Road.

·       Other stations within walking distance include Euston and Euston Square.

·       Several bus routes stop outside or near the library on Euston Road, including 10, 30, 59, 63, 73, and 91.

·       For cyclists, there are Santander Cycles docking stations at Good's Way and near Russell Square.

Did I mention that it’s free?