Thomas Plume’s Library was founded in 1704 under the terms of the will of Dr Thomas Plume, Vicar of Greenwich and Archdeacon of Rochester, who had been born in Maldon in 1630. He bequeathed to his native town his collection of some 8,100 books and pamphlets, to be kept in the building which he had constructed from the ruins of the old St Peter’s Church in the centre of the town, on the corner of Market Hill and the High Street.

The church building, which is owned by Maldon Town Council, still stands, very little changed, and still houses his books, kept on their original shelves, as well as his small collection of paintings. Although they may no longer be borrowed, books from the Library may be consulted without appointment during normal opening hours and the catalogue may be consulted online.

The Library and its Friends Friendsorganise a number of events during the year, including the annual Plume LecturePlume Lecture.

Opening Hours

Thomas Plume’s Library will close on Tuesday 24th December 2019 and reopen on Tuesday 4th February 2020. The Library Staff will be working behind the scenes on special projects during this period, so it might take slightly longer to answer queries.