Row over gospels continues

The gospels used revolutionary printing techniques

Campaigners are keeping pressure on Britain's heritage bosses over the permanent home for the Lindisfarne Gospels.

A jewel-encrusted copy - valued at £13,000 - was presented to Durham Cathedral as a gift from the British Library in London - one of a limited edition of 290.

It comes as the original, one of Britain's most important texts, goes on show at the British Library in London, in an exhibition looking at cultural life in the 8th Century.

The original gospels, dating to the 7th Century, will remain at the library, despite a campaign to return them to the north-east of England.

The presentation to Durham Cathedral, and an identical copy to the island of Lindisfarne itself, was meant to mark a truce in the so-far unsuccessful campaign to return the gospels to the North East.

But campaigners have vowed to continue their fight for the return of the real gospels.

However, the outgoing bishop of Durham, Michael Turnbull, who supported the campaign, says for the foreseeable future the gospels should remain in London.

He said: "I think there are strong arguments from scholars, from the world of arts and museums, for making sure such a world-renowned treasure is taken care of in proper circumstances."

The gospels symbolise all that is good about the spirit of our region

Mike Tickell, Northumbria Association

Dr Michelle Brown of the British Library, hit back at claims the original gospels should return to the North East.

She said: "Our situation is as custodians of the national and international heritage.

"Our first consideration has to be the maximum preservation and research, while giving as many people as possible free access."

The gospels, which were created by the scholarly priest Eadfrith in the north-east of England about 720 AD, are widely regarded as one of the most important books in British history.

They detail the rise of a coherent British society around the legend of St Cuthbert, the patron saint of Northumbria.

But Mike Tickell, chairman of the Northumbria Association, said: "The reality is that the gospels were here for hundreds of years and they symbolise all that is good about the spirit of our region.

"Our campaign for the return of the true gospels will continue despite these copies being on display here."