Help us acquire a piece of history

Help-us-acquire-a-rare-seventh-century-treasure main photo

With more than three-quarters of our £9m target raised so far, we are now entering the final phase of fundraising to acquire the seventh-century St Cuthbert Gospel for the nation.

The Gospel is in remarkable condition and looks much the same today as it would have done to the monks who created it 14 centuries ago. By the time of the Norman Conquest, the Gospel had already been in existence for nearly four centuries and so provides a rare connection between today’s world and our Anglo-Saxon predecessors.

In January, it was showcased in Melvyn Bragg’s Radio 4 series, “In Our Time: The Written World” in which several British Library treasures told the epic story of the history of the written word.

When we are successful, we will be able to preserve and provide access to the Gospel for future generations – through the care and expertise available at our world-class Centre for Conservation, and our exhibition galleries, which are visited by thousands of people every week.

Please help us achieve our goal. Donate now.
 

Philip Hennessy main photo

Maps provide a fascinating insight into our history, and I marvel at the skill of the early mapmakers. My own collection is constantly on view at home, and they always provide a focus for discussions. I am very grateful to the British Library for looking after our heritage, in the form of old maps.

Philip Hennessy
Geoff main photo

The Library's ethos, principles and ambitions strike a chord with me; the services on offer are the practical demonstration of what the place is about.

Geoff