MP behind Lindisfarne gospels campaign

Date: 2004-02-24, Publication: The Journal

The Government will tomorrow face renewed pressure to agree to the permanent return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North-East, despite continued opposition from the British Library.

Last year, the library gave facsimiles of the 8th-Century artefact to Durham Cathedral and Holy Island and another copy is touring the region.

But Joyce Quin, MP for Gateshead East and former Europe Minister, believes the library should keep the facsimiles and hand the originals back to the region. Tomorrow, she will urge the Government to intervene to order the library to give back the Gospels in time for the 900th anniversary of their original arrival at Durham Cathedral.

The Gospels were written by the Northumbrian Bishop Eadfrith and dedicated to St Cuthbert, patron saint of the North.

They came to the new Durham Cathedral on September 4, 1104, and stayed more than 400 years before being pillaged by Henry VIII and taken to London. Ms Quin said: "The Gospels are seen as a cultural icon of the North-East. They are unique and would bring about a tremendous boost to the regions tourism and economy.

"In recent years there has been a growing demand in the North-East region for their return from the British Library in the capital.

Her campaign is backed by ex-Olympic athlete Brendan Foster, who said: "I fully support the campaign to bring back the Gospels to Durham." It was also welcomed by the Northumbrian Association, a leading force in campaigning for the Gospels return.

Treasurer John Danby said: "We believe the Gospels are a sacred text associated with St Cuthbert and should be reunited with his relics in Durham Cathedral."

At present, the remains of St Cuthbert, his coffin, his cross and his altar are all in the cathedral. Only the Gospels are missing.

Five years ago, Ms Quins constituency neighbour Fraser Kemp fought a long battle over the issue but the move was blocked by the British Library and the Government refused to intervene.

A library spokeswoman said last night: "It would require an Act of Parliament for the Gospels to be returned.

"The manuscript is of fundamental importance to a heritage that goes far beyond the region where they were made and visitors come to the British Library from around the globe to see them."

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