Your opportunity to experience the oldest book of English literature in existence – right here in Exeter!

Written in about 970AD, the Exeter Book is the oldest of only four surviving books of Anglo-Saxon literature anywhere in the world. Much admired for its beautiful writing and the quality of its verse, this unique book of poetry has been at Exeter Cathedral since Leofric, the first Bishop of Exeter, gave it to his church in around 1072. Within its 246 pages are some 40 poems and nearly 100 poetic riddles.

Join Cathedral Library & Archives’ staff and volunteers on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month (April-September) to find out more about this very special book.

Each month a different page of the manuscript will be displayed:

1 July Riddle 26

5 August The Wanderer

2 September Widsith

All ages welcome.

There is no need to book.

There is no charge, but donations to support the work of the Cathedral Library & Archives are always appreciated.