In 875AD, the monks of Holy Island Lindisfarne, fearing the threat of the invading Vikings, set off on a remarkable journey. With them, they took the body of St Cuthbert, their relics, and books (including the Lindisfarne Gospels).

The Lindisfarne Gospels, the finest surviving known Anglo-Saxon manuscript was created in honour of St Cuthbert, and is intrinsically linked to the North East's beloved Saint and Christian heritage.

This journey initially took them to Norham in the Scottish borders, to Crayke in North Yorkshire before heading north to Chester-Le-Street, where they established a church and rested for over a century - and where the gospels were translated into English. In 995AD, the community moved with the body of St Cuthbert yet again to Ripon, before heading north, settling in Durham. This became the final resting place of St Cuthbert.

The treasures of St Cuthbert are now displayed in the Durham Cathedral Museum. However, after the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the manuscript was separated from Durham Cathedral. In the early 17th century, the Gospels were owned by Sir Robert Cotton (1571 - 1631), and in 1753 they became part of the founding collections of the British Library. This year's exhibition will be the first time it has been displayed in the North East since 2000.

My Journey

Over a thousand years later, to celebrate The Lindisfarne Gospels' return to the North East at the The Laing Art Gallery (17th September - 3rd December 2022), I will be embarking on my own 540 mile, 8-day pilgrimage in The Cuthbert Cycling Challenge. My journey will take me through places such as Castle Douglas, Sedbergh, Ripon, and Durham, cycling 50+ miles every day.

Ensuring that everyone is able to access heritage and culture is very important to me, as I have seen first-hand the positive impact culture can have on people's lives. The Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the historical significance to the region, and demystify and spark discussion about how we connect to the wider world, alongside the possible futures we can achieve together. This is why I am taking part in this challenge to raise money for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, where I am a trustee, so we can provide life changing cultural experiences for the children and young people of the North East.

I will leave Holy Island on September 1st and arrive at The Laing Art Gallery 8 days later - completing over 540 miles, taking in many of the significant settlements visited by the travelling monks along the way.

Please donate today and help Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums use arts and culture to positively impact the lives of many young people and their families in the North East.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at holmes26@btinternet.com, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you, John