Gladstone's library to be studied

Researchers hope to discover new insights into the mind of the former Prime Minister William Gladstone by studying more than 32,000 books from his private collection.

The politician, who served as a Liberal prime minister for four terms during the reign of Queen Victoria, left his personal library to the nation upon his death in 1898. Many of the books include Gladstone's handwritten comments in the margins.

Experts from the University of Liverpool have begun a three-year project to produce an online catalogue of the collection, which is held at St Deiniol's Library, in Hawarden, North Wales.

The library was founded by Gladstone in 1889 to allow the public to enjoy his vast collection of books.