ONE of England’s oldest public libraries has been awarded a massive grant of more than £60,000 to help with repairs.

Thomas Plume’s Library in Maldon, which contains more than 8,000 volumes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, will receive a grant of £67,962 for the repair of Grade I listed building from Historic England.

The library was built on the site of the former church of St Peter of which only the 15th century west tower remains following the collapse of the church nave in around 1665.

The Plume Library was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2020.

Urgent repairs are needed to the room that contains Plume’s collection, including replacement of the ceiling and works to the library floor, external masonry and windows.

The restoration work is essential to protect Plume’s rare and remarkable books, manuscripts and paintings and to ensure future public access to this collection in its original setting.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale said: "It is great news that Historic England, which is funded by the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport, is giving a grant to help to preserve Thomas Plume’s Library.

"At the centre of the town, this beautiful building and its nationally important collection are a fantastic part of Maldon’s Heritage and this money will help ensure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

Maldon town mayor, Abdul Hafiz, added: “The Town Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with the Thomas Plume’s Library Trustees and Historic England.

“This is a significant building in Maldon and many people visit our town to see this unique library.”

By 1699, Dr Thomas Plume (1630-1704) had built a two-storey brick and timber library building to house his collection of rare and important 16th and 17th century texts.

In contrast to the church tower, Plume’s new building was domestic in character, built of red brick with stone dressings, coved cornices and slate roof.

On the first floor of the library, original 17th century fittings can be seen including early 17th century panelling.

Plume gifted the library to the town of Maldon on his death in 1704. His bequest included a small collection of paintings which reflect his personal interests and the times through which he lived.

Historic England’s East of England regional director, Tony Calladine, said: “We’re pleased to support the urgent repair work needed for this historic building so that we help to ensure that Dr Thomas Plume’s remarkable collection can fascinate future generations as it does us.”