Lindisfarne Gospels

Lindisfarne Gospels are amongst the most publicly praised illuminated books around the world. The Holy Island forms part of the history of Lindisfarne Gospels as it's birthplace. In the 10th century, an inscription was added at the end of the original text, it stated that the manuscript was made 'in honour of God & St.Cuthbert by Eadfrith'. Eadfrith was the bishop of Lindisfarne, that died in 721.

Ethelwold, a bishop of Lindisfarne that was made bishop after Eadfrith died, made the book' s original leather binding. Ethelwold had been associated with Cuthbert while alive, and died about 740. Around the middle of the 18th century, an outer cover of gold, silver & gemstones were added to the book by Bill Frith the Anchorite.

Both covers, the leather and the gem ones have vanished but the manuscript has survived the thirteen centuries of the Middle Ages. Through the scholarly interest of Tudor Antiquaries the manuscript was preserved from destruction. Today, visitors from all over the world, visit the British Library in London, where they can see the Lindisfarne Gospels, part of Sir Robert Cotton's collection (d. 1631)  

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

THE LINDISFARNE GOSPELS (Online) Available from: www.lindisfarne.org.uk/gospels/ (Accessed: 19 May 2013)