£50,000 Lottery grant to revamp exhibition of world's oldest map

An exhibition of the world’s oldest surviving map is to receive a facelift after being awarded a £50,000 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The money will go towards restoring the exhibition of the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library at Hereford Cathedral.

The Mappa Mundi is the largest medieval map in existence and a treasure of Britain’s medieval heritage. It was drawn in black ink on vellum by “Richard of Haldingham and Lafford” in around 1300 and measures 52 inches in diameter.

It reflects the way in which scholars of that age regarded the world in spiritual as well as geographical terms, with Jerusalem positioned at the centre of the world.

The Garden of Eden is situated at the edge of the world, while Noah’s Ark is located north-west of Jerusalem.

The Chained Library was created around 1611 and contains more than 1,500 manuscripts and books dating from the eighth to the nineteenth centuries.

The new exhibition will include new interactive panels and books to help visitors take a closer look at some of the books and manuscripts. Work will also be done on the exhibition to improve accessibility and provide information in different languages.

Canon Chris Pullin, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral, said he was “delighted” by the grant.

“The current exhibition has begun to look tired,” he said.

“Scholarship has also advanced, and the exhibition has not been able to reflect the new stories that we know about the map and its origin.

“This marvellous grant will help us achieve this and to make the interpretation of the map available to so many more people.”

Anne Jenkins, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “This is fantastic news for Hereford Cathedral.

"The Mappa Mundi is the oldest and perhaps the most famous map in the world and a real heritage gem for Hereford and its community to have on its doorstep.

“We look forward to seeing the improvements that this grant will bring to the exhibition for people of all backgrounds and ages.”