Innerpeffray Library
Innerpeffray is the oldest free lending library in the country, founded about
1691. It was established by David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie,
brother-in-law of the "Great Marquis of Montrose".
The library is particularly rich in old bibles, including a copy of the so
called "Treacle Bible" and a bible
carried by the Marquis of Montrose.
The oldest printed books
are a copy of Barclay's"Ship of Fools" dated
1508 and the Paris edition of Hector Boece's "Chronicles" printed in
1527.
The books were originally housed in attic of the adjacent chapel, but
between 1750 and 1758 Archbishop Hay Drummond erected the present building
and added his own library to the collection.
The Collegiate Chapel of St Mary and graveyard are adjacent. The Chapel has
the remains of a painted ceiling and was re-built in 1507-8 by the Drummond
family.
The old school buildings, founded in 1680, can also be seen.
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