Richard Girard de Bury

Born near Bury St Edmunds in 1287, Richard de Bury became an English priest, scholar, and later bishop of Durham. He studied at Oxford, entered royal service, and was trusted by the future Edward III, serving in important diplomatic and church roles during a busy political life.

What makes him especially memorable today is his reputation as a passionate lover of books. Medieval sources and later reference works describe him as one of England’s earliest notable book collectors, someone who used his travels and connections to gather manuscripts from across Europe.

He is chiefly remembered for Philobiblon, completed in 1345, a lively reflection on learning, libraries, and the care of books. Even centuries later, it remains appealing for its clear affection for reading and for the idea that books deserve both respect and eager use.