Masses or Classes?: The Question of Community in the Foundation of Gladstone's Library

Reference Type Journal Article
Year of Publication
2003
Contributors Author: Ruth Clayton
Journal
Library History
Volume
19
Issue
3
Pagination
163-172
Language
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Abstract
William E. Gladstone founded and built St. Deiniol's Library during the I880s and I890s near his own residence in Hawarden, not far from Chester. The Library was based on Gladstone's personal library, but it was unclear from the beginning whether it was intended as a 'community' library for the local population. He himself was unwilling to discuss his purpose with local residents, despite his vaunted sympathy for the 'masses' as opposed to the 'classes'. This article examines Gladstone's attitude towards his foundation which eventually emerged as, in effect, a library and meeting-place for informed clergymen.