KING GEORGE'S LIBRARY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 245, 26 January 1917, Page 2 (Supplement)

KING GEORGE'S LIBRARY.

CHARLES 11. BEGAN THE COLLECTION . King George is constantly improving the Great Library at Windsor Castle. The library has grown to its present tremendous proportions out of a series of smaller rooms added by successive Sovereigns from time to time. King George's contributions and improvements, even thus early in his reign, aro as notable as those of any of his predecessors. Tlio request for regimental records which the librarian, Mr. Fortescue, is now making will enormously increase the collection's historical! value. The library is largely used hv officers on duty at tlio Castle, so tiro occupants of the Equerries' Room, where they are entertained, will bo delighted with th'o new war section. A story of the Great Library is still told : u the Equerries' Room. A young officer of the Guards swore that when he was sitting in the library a phantom female figure passed him and disappeared into the thickness of the walls. His statement created n sensation in the Castle, tooiuse the libiaiy h supposed to be haunted by tlio ghost of Queen Elizabeth. Charles 11. began the collection, but the bulk of tli'o original library was handed over to the British Museum by George IV. William IV. then brought together at \N indsor the books that remained in the various Royal palaces. H.> left them, however, in i higgle-dy-piggledy state, and the Prince Con. sort evolved order out of chaos. King Edward continued the good work, and now King George is completing it.