A Rare Medieval Manuscript Comes Home
After nearly 800 years in private collections, the Sarum Master Bible has returned to Salisbury and will be displayed at the city’s cathedral. This beautifully illustrated manuscript, created in the 13th century, is a rare example of a portable Bible. Measuring just 17cm by 11.5cm, it features extremely fine Latin script and delicate parchment pages.
A Work of Artistic and Historical Significance
The Bible was crafted by an artist known as the Sarum Master, or Sarum Illuminator, whose workshop operated in the 1240s and 1250s. The Sarum Master is regarded as one of the finest manuscript artists of the time, with only five to seven known surviving works attributed to them. Each book of the Bible in this manuscript begins with an intricately decorated initial, some featuring ornamental designs while others depict biblical scenes in a distinctive green color palette.
A Private Treasure Now Made Public
For centuries, the Sarum Master Bible remained in private hands, surfacing only in auction houses and art dealerships. It had never been on public display until now. Anne Dutton, Salisbury Cathedral’s librarian, emphasized its importance to the city’s artistic and religious heritage. Last year, Friends of the Nations’ Libraries purchased the manuscript for £90,000 and donated it to the cathedral, ensuring it would be preserved and accessible to the public.
A Glimpse into 13th-Century Salisbury
The manuscript’s origins coincide with intense artistic activity in Salisbury. At the time, the cathedral was under construction and adorned with paintings, stained glass, and sculptures. It is believed that the Sarum Master and other artists in the city influenced each other’s work. The Bible is a copy of the Vulgate, the Latin translation by St. Jerome, and includes theological prefaces.
A Long-Awaited Display at Salisbury Cathedral
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Rev. Nicholas Papadopulos, expressed excitement about sharing the manuscript with visitors. The Sarum Master Bible will be displayed at Salisbury Cathedral from 28 February to 20 March, offering a rare chance to view this extraordinary piece of medieval craftsmanship.
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‘Important and beautiful’ 13th-century Bible returns to Salisbury
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