Pip Willcox has been appointed the new Head of Lambeth Palace Library. Pip will be responsible for the Library’s mission to collect, preserve, and make the memory of the Church of England more accessible, so its cultural and religious history can be enjoyed by more people.

The Library serves as the record office and historic books of the Archbishops of Canterbury, and the national library and archive of the Church of England.  Its collections have been freely available for research from 1610.  It was once one of the most important libraries in England, and its books have been moved and rehoused for their protected during more difficult periods of history such as the English Civil War and World War II.  A modern, purpose-built venue just behind Lambeth Palace was opened in 2021.

“We are delighted to welcome Pip to the National Church Institutions and to lead the Lambeth Palace Library team,” said Michael Minta, Director of Bishoprics and Cathedrals & Lambeth Palace Library at the Church Commissioners for England. “Her experience, knowledge, and appreciation of our collection and all we do at the Library will stand us in good stead. Having moved into the wonderful new building during the pandemic we are looking forward to a bright future under Pip’s leadership.” 

Prior to her new appointment, Ms Willcox was Head of Research at the National Archives where she led a team of 20 archivists and established the UK government's official archive.
She also spent 13 years at the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library where she developed a Master’s programme in digital scholarship, and directed the Digital Humanities at Oxford Summer School.