Visitors to Lichfield Cathedral are set to get a rare opportunity to view some of the hidden treasures of the historic main library.
Tours will be given of the collection which includes texts on theology, literature, geography, philosophy and the natural sciences.
Among the manuscripts and early printed books on show are:
- Justinian Codex Juris Canonici (13th Century).
- Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c1420).
- Wyclif’s New Testament (c1410).
- Henry VIII’s ‘Great Bible’ (first edition – 1539).
- Cranmer’s Great Bible (1540).
- The ‘Breeches’ or ‘Geneva Bible’ (1560).
- The King James Bible (1611) – the ‘She’ and ‘Judas’ versions.
Canon Pete Wilcox, Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral and the guide for the tours, said:
“It is only on very rare occasions that we are able to give the general public access to this atmospheric space. The range of rare manuscripts and early printed works in our library is quite staggering. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone with a love of architecture, history or books”.
Tours start at 10.30am, last around one hour and take place on:
- May 14
- June 4
- June 9
- October 15
- October 19
Tickets cost £8.40 and can be booked by calling 01543 306150 or visiting the Cathedral Shop on The Close.
