Hereford Cathedral Library and Archives present a wide variety of changing exhibitions and displays throughout the year, drawing from our extensive collections. Our exhibitions feature manuscript and early printed books, archive documents, artefacts and loan items. There are usually three themed exhibitions each year but we also display single items for shorter periods such as the 8th century Hereford Gospels and Magna Carta. These displays are located within the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Museum. Admission to the Temporary Exhibition is included in the Mappa Mundi ticket price.
Shaping Early Medieval Faith: The Hereford Gospels
Discover the inner life of the oldest manuscript at Hereford Cathedral, the Hereford Gospels. Made circa 800AD, the Hereford Gospels symbolise the continuity of the community at Hereford Cathedral. Shaping Early Medieval Faith explores how the Gospels were created and used through the centuries. It shares the results of new scientific imaging which has revealed secrets hidden within the manuscript’s pages.
Alongside the Gospels themselves are some of the oldest texts in the chained library, chosen to show what early medieval Christians might have been listening to or reading.
Shaping Early Medieval Faith: The Hereford Gospels will be on display in the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library from Monday 30 March until Saturday 12 September 2026 between 10am and 5pm, Monday – Saturday. Admission charges apply.
You can purchase your ticket to visit the museum up to 4 weeks in advance from the cathedral website or ticket desk (01432 374 202) Tickets will still be available to purchase from the entry desk on the day. When you purchase your ticket, you're welcome to enter at any time during opening hours on the same day. There’s no need to book a specific time slot.
This exhibition was made possible with Art Fund support
