The St Chad Gospels and Lichfield Angel display

In June 2011, the Cathedral's two great Anglo Saxon treasures were installed in new permanent display cabinets in the Chapter House.

The St Chad Gospels, an illuminated Anglo Saxon gospel book which dates from about 730 (which makes it older than the famous Book of Kells), were previously hidden away behind a pillar in a cabinet for over 30 years. The Lichfield Angel previously languished in the transportation crate in which it was returned to the Cathedral by the conservator in 2007. The treasures have now been installed in bespoke frameless glass cabinets, on specially engineered mounts and with tailored lighting.

The redisplay of these treasures is part of a £120,000 upgrade of the Chaper House, including its security, in preparation for the Staffordshire Hoard on Tour in August 2011. Funding for this project has been gratefully received from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Foyle Foundation, the Staffordshire Hoard Partnership, the Friends of Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield District Council and members of the Cathedral community.

The redisplay initiative also allows us to share some of our other Library treasures with visitors.  Cabinets in the North Quire Aisle house rarely-seen items from our collection and these are changed on a regular basis.  Please don't forget to have a look at what is currently on display if you are visiting us.