Help us acquire a piece of history
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.
I cannot remember a time when books were not central to my life. The BL is guardian of a priceless common heritage which can enrich the lives of future generations, as it has done for us. Cherish the verbal record in good times and bad!
Michael Coates-Smith
My mother- in -law was a very talented artist and book binder. She rebound many books, and supporting the conservation of beautiful books is a very fitting way to celebrate her life
Stephen Niechcial