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.
 

John Yearwood, Adopt a Book donor main photo

No one who loves literature as I do could fail to be a friend of the Library, and I count it a privilege to be able to contribute in a small way to the preservation of human genius for all humankind.

John Yearwood, Adopt a Book Supporter
Katherine Kreuter, Adopt a Book Supporter main photo

I think the British Library is a fabulous institution. I value the ability to give a useful Christmas gift that pleases my well-read mother as much as me.

Katherine Kreuter, Adopt a Book Supporter