Kedermister Library
The Library was founded before 1631, by Sir John Kedermister, for the benefit of “Ministers of the said town of Langley and such other of the County of Buckingham as resort thereto”. It is described in Simon Jenkins’ book, England’s Thousand Best Churches, as ‘The Jewel of Slough’.
The Library is considered by many an early and important example of a seventeenth centurry parochial library in a country church. Little is known about the character of Sir John Kedermister although he was well established in the neighbourhood by 1607 when he was made keeper of Langley Park and was knighted the following year. It is thought the family and family name originated in Worcestershire and in 1557 John Kydermyster (Sir John’s grandfather) was enlarging his mansion in nearby Langley Park, a royal estate which the Kedermister family managed; the continuing success of the family in improving the Park was recognised by Sir John Kedermister being made keeper on his father’s death.
Sir John Kedermister was respo
nsible for much repair and embellishment of St Mary the Virgin Church, the creation of the Library and the creation of the first Almshouse.
Langley and Langley Marish, were in the county of Buckinghamshire until 1974, and the Kedermister Library continues to be overseen by Buckinghamshire County Council and governed by a charitable trust. The name Kedermister is the most commonly used, though some sources, including the charity governing the library, use the spelling Kederminster.
The library and church are open to the public on the first Sunday afternoon of the month from March to October, and by personal appointment any time of the year.
Select here for 3D views of the Library and from inside the Kedermister Pew.
Visiting the Church & Kedermister Library
The church and Kedermister Library are open to visitors:
On the first Sunday of the month between May and October between 2.30 – 4.30 pm
Visitors please note access to the Kedermister Library is via seven steep steps without a handrail or ramp access and through a narrow corridor (pew space) and down an additional step. For more information please contact the Parish Office via email for more details.
Visitors can be shown round the Kedermister Library in groups of no more than 10 to ensure everyone has the best experience. Tours of the church and churchyard are also available during open days.
The dates for 2025 are
- Sunday 4 May 2025
- Sunday 1 June 2025
- Sunday 6 July 2025
- Sunday 3 August 2025
- Sunday 7 September 2025
- Sunday 5 October 2025
Jane Sculpher is our Honorary Librarian and can be contacted: via email with general enquiries and for special agreed opening times.
For more information about the Library, please take the Tour of St. Mary’s.
