They took with them Cuthbert’s body and the Gospels. For seven years they travelled the length and breadth of Northumbria leaving a legacy of more than 50 churches named after the saint. They arrived at Chester-le-Street, where an English translation was added between the lines of the Latin original. The Lindisfarne Gospels are the oldest surviving English bible.
Eventually, after 113 years, the community of Saint Cuthbert moved to Durham. After the Conquest, the Normans, recognising the importance of Saint Cuthbert, built the Cathedral we know today. The Lindisfarne Gospels were kept by Saint Cuthbert’s remains. In September 2005AD, the link between the saint and the cathedral was recognised by restoring Saint Cuthbert’s name to the cathedral’s title.
At the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539AD, the sacred shrine was looted by King Henry VIII’s commissioners and the Gospels, after 800 years in the North, were removed. The ornately jewelled binding was ripped off. A keeper of the Tower of London took it upon himself to sell the Gospels to a private collector - Sir Henry Cotton. Cotton’s grandson gave them to the nation. Even so, it was by chance that they survived a disastrous fire when housed at Ashburton House. They were then given to the new British Museum. At the end of the 20th century, they were passed on to the fledgling British Library, despite a museum curator declaring: ‘this is not a library book. It was never intended to be studied by scholars, but to be exhibited to the people.’
Placed in the new library, they were largely ignored by the general public - who did not know that they were there - and studied in the main by the library’s own staff.
The British Library argues that, as a library, it is not their function to display the book. They therefore cannot fulfil the purpose of the book’s creators - that it should be shown to the people.
BRING BACK OUR BOOK!
Don’t settle for less than the real thing
The facsimile Lindisfarne Gospels are the result of a deal between the British Library, which is in possession of the manuscript and a Swiss publisher. At best the copies are a vivid reminder of what we are missing. The original belongs to the North-East where they were created more than 1,200 years ago. The Northumbrian Association- formed to promote the region’s cultural past and present - is campaigning to bring them back. Join us.
Lost in London
In the British Library at St Pancras, London, the Gospels are kept out of sight with other bibles. In the North-East, they would be a major attraction and a potent symbol of the richness of the region’s cultural heritage. The last time they appeared on loan at Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery, 180,000 people queued to see them.
Former British Library curator Janet Backhouse has put it as well as anyone. ‘This particular book has never been regarded as a museum curiosity, of interest only to scholars and connoisseurs, but has something of the mystique of a holy relic . . . ’
How many ‘scholars and connoisseurs’ have been to see the Lindisfarne Gospels at the British Library over the past decade? The British Library has not answered this question. Don’t they know? Or are they embarrassed to tell us how few? Are such people incapable of taking a train, plane or car to the North-East? We would be happy to explain the ease with which they could visit. While in the North East, they would be able to visit locations closely associated with the Gospels, and could add a valuable new perspective to their work. They might even enjoy the experience!
Why we want them back
The Lindisfarne Gospels are dedicated to Saint Cuthbert and God. They were created in this region and have powerful associations with the people and places here. This living context is more resonant and significant than a research exile amongst the bodies of dead books in London’s British Library. They are part of the continuing culture of the North East, part of the story and an inspiration for all ages. Saint Cuthbert’s remains are in Durham Cathedral - a World Heritage site. People from all places could see them here in their true context - in spiritual space. They should be returned forthwith.
What you can do
You can write to your constituency MP at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Or
Their constituency office - ask them to raise the issue for the return of the Gospels in the House.
Or
We also have an online petition you can sign in the Sign The Petition section of the site. |
