Durham University has been awarded an almighty £487,000 in Lottery funding to help fund the running of a new history exhibit at the University. Whilst initially the 
University had already secured the legendary Lindisfarne Gosples for an exhibition, this funding will allow the university to expand the Lindisfarne Gospels Durham 2013 and Beyond project increasing the number of events and activities to be held to celebrate this historic occasion. The project is being undertaken by a number of groups including Durham Cathedral, Durham County Council and the British Library to bring together a number of artefacts which were found in the tomb of St. Cuthbert along with a number of other texts and manuscripts loaned from other national organisations.
The Lindisfarne Gospels are an amazing piece of work which date back to around the year 700AD from the island of Lidisfarne which is situated just off the North East coast. The manuscript itself has a unique look and feel from using a number of different styles in the illumination of the text. The work shows influence from Angelo-Saxon, Mediterranean and Celtic art making it truly one of a kind. The gospels originally had an ornate cover which was made of leather and encrusted in fine jewels and metal but this was lost in the Viking raids and a replacement was made in 1852.
This exhibit in Durham will be the first time in 909 years that the Lindisfarne Gospels, St. Cuthbert’s Gospel and the relics from his tomb will be in the same location. If you have a chance to go to the exhibition in the Summer make sure you have a look along. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the most culturally significant documents from our local area on display at the same location. Make sure you don’t miss out.
I dont like history stuff on a normal day, but this looks canny.
Are they coming to Consett too?