A grant of almost £68,000 has been awarded to safeguard the future of Thomas Plume's Library in Maldon - one of the oldest public libraries in England.

Historic England has awarded the £67,962 grant for the repair of the Grade I listed building on the corner of Market Hill and the High Street that houses the precious library.

The Plume Library is housed in the upper floor of the building attached to the tower of the former church of St Peter. It contains more than 8,000 volumes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The library was built on the site of the former church - of which only the 15th century west tower remains following the collapse of the church nave in around 1665 - by Dr Thomas Plume, who was born in the town in 1630.

By 1699 Dr 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.

Purpose-built libraries of this period are extremely rare. 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 unique collection in its original setting.

Tony Calladine, Regional Director for Historic England in the East of England, said: "Plume Library is one of the oldest public libraries in England, and the home to internationally important 16th and 17th century artistic works.

"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."

Maldon Mayor, Councillor 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."

Maldon MP John Whittingdale welcomed the news, too, pointing to the library's national significance.

He 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 that local residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it for years to come."

Dr Thomas Plume and his gift to the town

Dr 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.

Baptised at All Saints Church in Maldon, he was educated in Chelmsford and at Christ's College Cambridge. He became a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Divinity and his ecclesiastical career culminated in the role of Archdeacon of Rochester, Kent.

He held strong Royalist sympathies and was deeply committed to the Church of England. Amongst the thirteen paintings he left to the town, prominently displayed within the library, are portraits of English monarchs and churchmen, while a Salvator Mundi painting illustrates his devotion to Jesus Christ.