This new building houses the Nation's most important collection of books, manuscripts and maps. The British Library was designed by Sir Colin Wilson and was opened in 1998. 

The collection used to be in the British Museum, but the new building makes a splendid setting.  A copy of every book printed book in the English language is held here - 16 million books in all - and these can be consulted by anyone with the proper Reader's Ticket which you have to apply for. 

The British Library - photo by Stephen McKay and reproduced by kind permission

Some of the most famous items in the collection include the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Magna Carta, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, and of course Shakespeare's First Folio of his complete works, published after his death. 

It is a magnificent collection - one of the greatest in the whole World - and visitors can spend a wet afternoon or a whole week trawling through its treasures.

The British Library is a must-see destination for every tourist to London. Resratuant and all facilities. Admission free.

Nearest Tube station: Kings Cross then a short walk.