Exeter Cathedral opens special Anglo-Saxon archive exhibition
It's all happening between 10am and 1pm - and hoped to inspire more of us to delve into our history
Today, Exeter Cathedral is putting some of its rarest archive treasures on display as they hope to inspire people of all ages to think about our heritage.
Highlights of the special exhibition - called 'The Library & Archives In Focus' - will include the 10th century Exeter Book, thought to be the oldest of only four surviving poetic manuscripts written in the Old English language.
Back in 2016, UNESCO added the Exeter Book to its Memory of the World register of artefacts of global cultural significance, recognising the ancient manuscript as “the foundation volume of English literature, one of the world’s principal cultural artefacts.”
Also on display will be the Exon Domesday of 1086 – the most comprehensive surviving source for the Great Domesday Book for anywhere in England – and Exeter Cathedral’s own Foundation Charter, created in 1050.
At the event, visitors will also get the chance to make their own 'Saxon copper brooch' - with organisers hoping to inspire people of all ages.
Exeter Cathedral’s Heritage Engagement Manager, Jonathan Scott, said: “Exeter Cathedral is an internationally significant heritage site, and the Anglo-Saxon collections are among many thousands of fascinating treasures housed in its Library and Archives.
“We want all of the communities of Devon to be able to enjoy their local heritage, and we are working hard to deliver more exhibitions, events and activities that will appeal to a wide range of people, across all age groups.”
It takes place in the nave of Exeter Cathedral between 10am until 1pm today (August 18), with admission included in the standard entry fee.