Exhibition: An open book: the Foyle unfolded

An exhibition of highlights from the Foyle Special Collections Library, featuring rare books, manuscripts and other items from the 16th century to the present day.

The Weston Room

The Weston Room incorporates many features from the former Chapel of the Masters of the Rolls, including three 16th and 17th century funeral monuments.

One of these is a terracotta figure of Dr Yonge (Master of the Rolls and Dean of York, who died in 1516) which was sculpted by Pietro Torrigiano (1472-1528) who also created Henry VII’s tomb in Westminster Abbey and is said to have broken Michelangelo's nose in a tavern brawl.

There are also memorials to Richard Alington (who died in 1561, a brother-in-law of a Master) and Lord Bruce of Kinloss, a Master who died in 1616.

From 1902 until 1986 the rebuilt Chapel, now deconsecrated, provided a Museum for the Public Record Office. Stained-glass windows showing the armorial bearings of some of the 17th century Masters had been preserved, and more were added in 1899.

Restoration work for King's College London has revealed a fine mosaic flooring, probably laid in 1898.

A memorial to former staff members of the Public Record Office who died in the First World War is also sited in the room.