Medieval Psalter returns to Abbey site after 500 years

The Bury Psalter, an illuminated book of Psalms which dates from around 1400 and which was made for and used at the ancient Abbey of St Edmund, (pictured above) has found a new home at St Edmundsbury Cathedral following the closure of the Suffolk Archives site in Bury St Edmunds.

The Bury Psalter is a Latin manuscript written for, and used by the Abbey of St Edmund.

It includes the Psalms (150 religious songs from the Old Testament), a list of Saints, and hymns.

It is one of only two books from the vast medieval library of the Abbey of St Edmund known to remain in the town.

After the Abbey of St Edmund was dissolved in 1539 its possessions were confiscated and given or sold to private owners. This included its books.

The Psalter came into the possession of James Cobbes, and in 1706 his grandson, James Harvey, gave it to King Edward VI Grammar School.

The Trustees of the King Edward VI Grammar School Foundation Trust have now given it to the Cathedral.

The Bury Psalter is now displayed in the Cathedral’s Treasury, which is open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 12.30 pm to 3pm.

The Very Rev Joe Hawes, the Dean of St Edmundsbury said: “We are thrilled that the Bury Psalter has found a new home at the Cathedral.

“With the Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn project bringing the history of the Abbey into focus and looking at the interpretation of its story, having this wonderful book that began life here is a tangible link to our past. We can’t wait to share the Psalter with our visitors.”

Alan Jary, the comptroller of The King Edward VI Grammar School Foundation Trust, said “King Edward Foundation Trustees are delighted to gift this historical item to the Cathedral.

“Once part of daily services in the Great Abbey it has been locked away securely for far too long; unseen and known of only to a few, it will now be seen and admired by many.”