EXCITEMENT was in the air as tickets for the long-awaited return to the North East of the Lindisfarne Gospels went on sale yesterday.
Years of planning will finally come to fruition this summer as the medieval manuscript goes on display in Durham.
Crowds gathered yesterday outside Durham University’s Palace Green Library, where it will be housed as part of a special exhibition between July and September.
One family who were at the front of the queue were the Scothons, from Shincliffe, County Durham.
Dr Richard Scothon turned up with wife Kirsten and children Henry, eight, and Charlotte, six.
“The last time the Gospels came up was before our children were born, so as they came from the North East, it’s really important for them to see the Gospels not just in London but in their home town,” said Dr Scothon.
The 39-year-old added: “Everyone is very excited, and from the children’s point of view it’s such an important opportunity.”
Representatives from Durham Cathedral, Durham University and the British Library – all of whom played a pivotal role in organising the return of the Gospels to the region – came together to launch the countdown to the start of the exhibition.
Dr Chris Higgins, vice chancellor of Durham University, said: “Today is the beginning of what is going to be a remarkable celebration in Durham and a celebration for the whole of the North East.
“It’s not just about the Lindisfarne Gospels, it’s about a whole range of books and artifacts.
“It’s a very proud moment for Durham. People here will understand their heritage, but it’s also part of the whole national and international heritage and that’s one of the reasons why this book is so important.”
Chief executive of the British Library Roly Keating said: “This exhibition is the result of painstaking work over more than four years; people’s time, care, investment, money and creativity. The result is not just something for this summer but will, we believe, set a pattern for return in the future.”
The Lindisfarne Gospels will be the centrepiece of the exhibition which tells the tale of St Cuthbert, and the story behind the manuscript’s creation, journey and its special symbolism for the people of the North East.
Also on display will be a selection of St Cuthbert’s treasures including his jewelled cross, sapphire ring and travelling altar, alongside the book that was written in his honour.
There will also be Anglo-Saxon artifacts from national collections and some of Britain’s most significant medieval manuscripts including the St Cuthbert Gospel and Durham Gospel. The Lindisfarne Gospels and St Cuthbert Gospel, Europe’s oldest surviving bound book, will be on loan from the British Library.
The exhibition takes place from July 1 to September 30. Tickets are £7.50 and £6.50 for children and concessions.
