THE return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North-East represents a great success for a passionate campaign stretching back many years. Mark Tallentire reports.

THE campaign for the Lindisfarne Gospels, possibly the most significant and stunning artwork ever created in the North-East, to be returned to their birthplace and spiritual home has been almost as long and painful as the route taken by the medieval monks carrying the priceless text after they fled Holy Island for fear of Viking raiders.

Leaders from the worlds of politics, history, culture and art have longed for their “repatriation” for years, if not decades.

For them, Monday, opening day for the three-month Lindisfarne Gospels Durham exhibition at the city’s Palace Green Library, will be a day of great celebration – and a day many feared would never come.

For many years, the British Library, in London – custodian of the Gospels either in its current or earlier form (as part of the British Museum) since the mid-18th Century, seemed utterly opposed to the idea.

Campaigners had been working persistently behind the scenes to convince Library chiefs that the North-East both wanted the Gospels back and could properly care for the 1,300-year-old manuscript before the effort became more public around five years ago.

In January 2008, Rowan Williams, then Archbishop of Canterbury, said the Gospels belonged with St Cuthbert, whose remains are in Durham Cathedral, and it would be “wonderful” if they were returned.

A few months later, Andy Burnham, then Culture Secretary, pledged his full support.

However, there was still resistance and division – even within the campaign. Some thought the Gospels should be returned to Lindisfarne, while others said Durham, for example.

That we have reached today is down to the untold labour of many determined people.

Durham University vice-chancellor Chris Higgins can justifiably take a bow. Soon after taking up his post in 2007, he made getting the Gospels home a personal goal.

Sadly, one man who did more than most will not be around to see the fruit of his tireless work.

As a leading force in the Northumbrian Association, John Danby fought for many years to see the priceless medieval treasure relocated to the region.

The former florist, of Washington, Wearside, died on New Year’s Eve, aged 74. Fittingly, the cultural extravaganza surrounding the Gospels’ return will include a celebration of his life.

But Monday is not just the end of a journey. Some see it is a stepping stone to the Gospels’ final, permanent relocation to Durham.

For others, it is not about what Durham can do for the Gospels, but what the Gospels can do for Durham: putting it firmly on the tourist map.

It promises to be a fascinating three months.