In 1737 a Presbyterian Minister, the Rev Samuel Fancourt, established a library, open to the public, in his own house in Salt Lane. Within a few years he had more than 5,000 books in his 'New Circularly Library.' A system of carriers and agents despatched his books to towns and villages as far as 60 miles away.

With all the talk in recent months concerning the future of Salisbury Public Library, this weeks ‘Bygone’ goes back 46 years to the opening of the said establishment.

“Bookworms and tourists alike surged through the doors to get their first glimpse of what was described as one of the most advanced cultural centres of its kind,” commented the local press.

The library was built on the site of the Old Corn Exchange and was officially opened on October 13, 1973 by Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Lord Margadale.

As many as 50 people passed through the glass doors within the first five minutes of the library opening and more than 1,000 books had been issued by lunch time on the first day. Monte Little, divisional librarian, mentioned that one of the problems was finding staff – he had not been able to find many more than he had in the old library in Chipper Lane, yet the new library was more than twice the size.

The new library was considered an enormous improvement on the old one in Chipper Lane with shelves on a lower level, sections clearly marked and large, comfortable seats in the lounge area where people could read magazines and newspapers.

Amazingly, in a poll held in three separate Salisbury public buildings, the public voted a consistent 10-1 in favour of demolishing the Market House façade! We can only be thankful that it never happened...