Marching for return of Gospels

Mar 19 2007 By Neil Mckay, The Journal

Campaigners fighting to bring the Lindisfarne Gospels back to the North-East stage their annual march to celebrate the region's patron saint tomorrow.

Members of the Northumbrian Association will demand the Gospels be returned to the region from the British Library in London.

The walk, which begins at St Cuthbert's Church in Chester-le-Street town centre at 10am, retraces the steps of the monks who carried the saint's body to Durham in 995, where they established the cathedral.

Campaigners will carry a petition signed by hundreds of supporters, including many of the region's MPs.

Northumbrian Association treasurer John Danby said: "More and more people in the region believe the Gospels should be returned to their rightful home in the North-East. We have a heritage trail with Lindisfarne, Jarrow, Monkwearmouth and Durham and the Gospels belong here.

"This is the birthplace of Christianity in England.

"If there are impracticalities surrounding them being placed in Durham Cathedral, or on Lindisfarne, then I see no reason why a permanent home could not be found for them somewhere in the North East, perhaps in Durham City, which is where Cuthbert's coffin and remains lie.

"The cost would be considerable but there is the will and the wealth in this region to enable it to happen."

The manuscripts were created by Eadrith the monk on Lindisfarne in the Seventh Century and dedicated to Cuthbert.

* To take part in the walk or sign the petition contact John Danby on (0191) 389-2699 or email him at john.danby@btopenworld.com