Just along from the grand lobby of the new British Library, on the left up a broad staircase, there is a half concealed doorway. Walk through the doors and you enter a low gallery, dimly lit and filled with expansive display cases. There is always a hush in this room for it is the inner sanctum of this temple to British literature. You can find here several copies of Magna Carta; books printed by Caxton and a dozen gloriously illuminated Anglo Saxon manuscripts. There is also a small bound diary. It is open and the pages contain a firm legible pencil script. A striking contrast to the other exhibits it is nevertheless no surprise to find one of Captain Scott’s journals here, as this too is regarded as a national treasure.