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.
 

Tara Larkin main photo

The British Library is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in England. Sadly, I'm leaving the UK to return home to Australia and wanted to make a contribution that would ensure others can feel inspired to open the pages of a book and enter a new world of knowledge.

Tara Larkin
Adam Churchill main photo

A book by H E Bates changed my life forever. The pen truly is mightier than the sword and words can take you to a place no other medium can ever reach. I read to enjoy and, most importantly, to escape. Books are our escape from reality and our anchor back to our life.

Adam Churchill