Spurgeon’s College is auctioning artefacts from its collection, following the institution's sudden closure this summer.
Items to be listed include a trowel used by Charles Spurgeon to lay the original foundation stone for the pastors’ college in 1856, antique theology books, and intellectual property rights to its teaching materials.
A bookcase from Charles Spurgeon’s original study will also be listed, along with a statue and two oil paintings of the 19th century Baptist preacher.
Auctioneer Hilco describes the theological library as “the best collection of theological textbooks in the UK”. Over 60,000 books are in the collection, including academic journals and ‘The Sword and the Trowel’ magazine.
The college was one of the UK’s oldest theological institutions and had been operating for almost 170 years.
In July, it announced an immediate closure after facing “significant financial challenges”.
It said the abrupt closure was “driven by declining student numbers and an increasingly complex and difficult financial landscape".
The now-disbanded Spurgeon’s College declined to give further comment to Premier Christian News, citing respect for its affected students.
Sales will be by appointment only and will commence in mid-September.