There's been a collection of books on the site since the cathedral and monastery were founded way back in 1096.

There are around 25,000 volumes in its theological collection. And the historic collection is home to 8,000 ancient texts, which date back as far as the 15th century.

The library buildings date back at least 700 years, and have been adapted over the centuries as their uses have changed.

It has been located above the South Walk of the cloister since 1913 and was expanded in the early 2000s. To enable people to enjoy the collection, the library is open to the public three days a week - and on September 19, as part of Heritage Open Days, there will be guided tours of the library to learn about its architectural history, and a selection of books from the collections will be on display.

Librarian Gudrun Warren with the oldest book in Norwich Cathedral library, about to celebrate its 550th birthday. Photograph: Norwich Cathedral/Bill Smith The oldest printed book in the library is from 1474 – less than 20 years after the invention of the moveable type printing press - a copy of The Divine Institutes by Lactantius, who was writing in around the 4th century.

In addition to theological texts, the cathedral library is also home to a large collection of important local books – including a three-volume first edition of the Paston Letters, a collection of correspondence between the prominent Norfolk family which gives a glimpse into life during the Wars of the Roses and the early Tudor period.

Since 2003, librarian and curator Dr Gudrun Warren has been custodian of the cathedral's collection - and as well as preserving the important collection for future generations, conservation and keeping the books in their current condition,........

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