The books were given by many benefactors, whose names were preserved in a large vellum book, and the library much augmented by that of the old cathedral of St. Paul’s, which was brought to the college in the year 1647.
However the dreadful fire of London, which consumed so many other public structures, also destroyed this, and burnt a third part of the books, with the almshouses, several convenient chambers for students, besides those reserved for the meeting of the governors and fellows, and for the clerk and the library-keeper, to dwell in. The whole edifice was however afterwards rebuilt, except the chambers for the students; that part of the ground, being let out on building leases: the expence of erecting the library and almshouse amounted to above 1300_l._ and the hall with the other buildings to 2000_l._ more.
The edifice is extremely plain, and consists of brick buildings surrounding a square court.
Since the fire the library has been enriched by many benefactions; particularly by a part of the books of the jesuits seized in the year 1679, and by the Lord Berkley’s giving half his uncle Cooke’s books to the library: One gentleman gave the interest of 100_l._ to be annually laid out in books, and another 20_l._ _per annum_ for the same use, payable by the leatherseller’s company: there are also a great number of other benefactors to the library, whose names are set down in a book kept for that purpose.
In order to augment the library it has been also proposed, that every author be desired to give one copy of every book he publishes; and also every minister at his admission into a living, that every governor at his admission give one of at least 10_s._ value; and that the booksellers give one copy of every book they cause to be printed.
The library is surveyed twice a year: and had at first a librarian, an under librarian, and an ostiary: but now one serves for all.
The almshouse consists of twenty rooms, for ten men within the college, and ten women without it. Four of whom are nominated by the city of Bristol, where Mr. White was born; eight by the merchant taylor’s company, six by the parish of St. Dunstan, where he was minister forty-nine years; and two by St. Gregory’s parish, where he had lived about twenty years: except any of the kindred of either of his wives appeared, who were first to be considered; but these were not to exceed four at a time. The alms-people formerly received 6_l._ a year; but the lowering of rents has caused their allowance to be somewhat lessened.