Norwich, UK
An ancient Bible page has returned to Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset some 800 years after it was created by the monks there.
The double-sided page is roughly A5 in size, made from vellum (prepared animal skin), written in Latin and features ornate lettering as well as full colour decoration.
The Bible page on display in the Glastonbury Abbey Visitor Centre. PICTURE: Glastonbury Abbey
The page, which has never been on public display before, relates to the beginning of the Old Testament Books of Chronicles, narrating the history of Israel and Judah from the Creation. The first word of the book, Adam, is marked by a beautifully illustrated ‘A’ made up of interlocking wolves, dragons and foliage.
Lucy Newman, collections manager at the abbey, said it was “exciting” to see the Bible page on show.
“It’s like a tiny jewel because it’s so small yet so important in the history of the abbey. It’s such a beautiful object, to think that so much work and detail could have gone into such a small page, and the age of it is just incredible.”
The page’s return to Glastonbury could almost be described as a miracle, given the abbey’s chequered history.
‘Creatures of the Universe’ illustrating a capital letter on the manuscript. PICTURE: © The University Collections, Bristol University Collections
According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea – named in the New Testament as the wealthy man who took responsibility for Jesus’ body after His death – came to Glastonbury after the crucifixion, which some stories say followed an earlier visit accompanied by the young Jesus. It is said that Joseph planted his staff on Glastonbury Tor where it grew and bloomed for centuries.
The abbey had grown wealthy in medieval times, benefitting over centuries from pilgrims and visitors keen to view the supposed graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere which were also said to have been located there.
Sharing the fate of other monastic foundations, Henry VIII dissolved Glastonbury Abbey in 1539 (it is now largely in ruins). The library contents were sold and dispersed, finally resurfacing in the collection of 18th century politician and antiquarian Roger Gale. The Bible’s whereabouts remained unknown for a further 240 years, until it was auctioned at Sotheby’s London in the 1980s. A manuscript dealer from Ohio acquired it before dismantling it and selling it page by page.
Since then, pages have appeared worldwide, including at the the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States, while the main bulk have been acquired and rebound by Oslo Cathedral School, Norway. In 2020, Bristol University acquired this first page and have been using it as a teaching resource within its special collections.
“Bristol University contacted us soon after they had purchased it as they thought it would really fitting for it to be displayed here,” Newman told Sight. “I had actually seen it on the BBC news and thought I must contact them. It was after this initial contact that the idea developed to include a placement for one of their post graduate students, as part of their MA in medieval studies. Elysia Cains has undertaken research to provide us with the display interpretation material and an online resource.”
Close-up of a letter. PICTURE: © The University Collections, Bristol University Collections
Until October, the page will be displayed within the Abbey Visitor Centre along with a collection of materials that relate to the production of books at the abbey. All these materials have been found on site and include the remains of quills, pencils used to mark the lines, an oyster shell palette with greenish/yellow pigment still inside it and copper alloy book straps and clasps.
In addition to a public talk by Professor Ad Putter, of Bristol University Medieval Studies Department, on “The Curious Story of the Glastonbury Bible fragment 1220-2022”, there are numerous creative activities taking place for families and visitors to enjoy.
“Visitors have been amazed at how small and delicate the page is, and how tiny and neat the writing,” said Newman. “The illuminated letter A is like a little jewel of bright colours. Our staff are so excited to have something on display that captures the spirit of the monks that worked here to produce it.”
