THE North-East argued long and hard for the Lindisfarne Gospels to be returned to their spiritual home in Durham City – and the region has shown conclusively that it is capable of doing them justice.
The Gospels have generated huge interest, attracting 100,000 visitors, and raising the profile of both the North- East’s rich religious heritage and the priceless manuscript itself.
Of course, this should not be the end of the reconnection between the Gospels and the North-East of England.
The region has earned the right to at least be granted regular loans of the treasures by the British Library in London.
The North-East has demonstrated an incomparable appetite for the Gospels to be seen and a clear ability to display them in a fitting fashion.
After campaigning for so long for them to come home on loan, it would be unrealistic to expect the British Library to suddenly accept that the Gospels should return to Durham permanently, much as we would love to see that happen.
But the dialogue must continue about the North-East’s historic claim to the manuscript with a view to regular exhibitions taking place in the region.
We have shown great passion, patience and care – and those are qualities which must be recognised.
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