Anniversary call for Lindisfarne Gospels to return to region

Mar 22 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

CALLS have been renewed, on the anniversary of St Cuthbert's death, for the Lindisfarne Gospels to be returned permanently to the North East.

Members of the Northumbrian Association took part in their annual “Cuddy’s Corse” walk along the seven-mile route, from Chester-le-Street to Durham, which is thought to have been taken by monks carrying St Cuthbert’s coffin for burial.

Despite the wet weather dozens of modern-day pilgrims turned out to pay their respects to the Northumbrian patron saint on Saturday.

And organisers used the event as an opportunity to call once again for the Lindisfarne Gospels, which were written in Saint Cuthbert’s honour and rested for 113 years in Chester-le-Street, to be given back to the region.

The beautifully-decorated 7th Century manuscript is due for a return to Durham in 2013 on three-month loan from the British Library, but campaigners argue it should be given a permanent home in the region.

The Northumbrian Association’s aim is to promote awareness of the historic significance of the area and regional identity.

Northumbrian Association chairman John Danby said: “It was a lousy day with the rain – I think St Cuthbert should be hanging his head as he’s obviously not as much of an influence as he thinks!

“But it was a great day. It’s a symbolic walk from where the Lindisfarne Gospels were for 113 years to where we think they should be permanently, at Durham Cathedral.

“I don’t understand why we don’t celebrate St Cuthbert’s Day as a Northumbrian feast day. It could be a day of celebration of all things Northumbrian.”

For the past 10 years people have taken part in the March 20 walk to celebrate St Cuthbert’s Day on the anniversary of his death.

The walkers leave from the parish church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street and follow a route through the Riverside Park to Great Lumley’s cross, then Finchale Priory and on to Durham, ending at the Cathedral.

On the way they have a series of historical talks.

The Northumbrian Association is also planning a series of St Cuthbert-themed walks to promote the North East’s heritage as “birthplace of Christianity in England” and is convinced tourism to the region could be promoted as a result.

Any potential walking routes would cover the many locations thought to have hosted St Cuthbert’s body as it was moved around to dodge potential Viking attacks.

Monks took with them Cuthbert’s body and the Gospels written in his honour and travelled the length and breadth of Northumberland leaving a legacy of more than 50 churches named after him.