The Gospel Book of Saint Augustine - January 2003

The most precious book in the Parker Library at Corpus Christi College, and perhaps the most important and evocative illuminated manuscript in Cambridge, is the so-called Gospel Book of Saint Augustine, of the late sixth century. It is generally and credibly assumed to have been brought from Italy in the mission of Augustine of Canterbury (d.604), who arrived in England in 597. It is the manuscript on which, by tradition, each new archbishop of Canterbury takes his oath of office. It will therefore be used at the enthronement of Dr Rowan Williams in Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday, 27th February.

To mark this occasion and for the first time, the Parker Library will be open to members of the University and the City of Cambridge, and their guests, for two days, on Friday, 28th February and Saturday, 1st March. The Gospel Book of Saint Augustine will be on view, with other illuminated manuscripts which belonged to or are associated with medieval archbishops of Canterbury, including Saint Thomas Becket.

Enquiries may be addressed to the Sub-Librarian, Gill Cannell, telephone 338025 e-mail gc110@cam.ac.uk; or to the Fellow Librarian, Dr Christopher de Hamel, telephone 339994.