The Hereford Mappa Mundi is a unique medieval map. Depicting the world as 13th century academics saw it, it is perhaps the most important map of its kind in the world.
The map - the largest, most intricate and intact example in existence - is drawn on a single piece of calfskin and measures 64" x 52". A circle in the middle shows Jerusalem as the geographic centre of the world.
A fascinating history of mankind is illustrated in hundreds of drawings, which are placed around the continents. These include over 400 cities and towns along with people, animals and birds, mythical-type creatures, flora and a variety of events from biblical teachings.
The Chained Library
The Chained Library in Hereford is another unique and renowned treasure.
Using an ancient security measure that once protected valuable books, a chain is attached to the front cover of each book, which is then slotted on a rod on a lower shelf. This means that books can be taken down from the shelves to be studied but cannot be removed totally from the bookcases.
The oldest of the books is the 8th century Hereford Gospels, but this is just one of the priceless medieval manuscripts held here - incredibly, there are 229 similar ones and 1,500 other rare works. Dating from the 17th century, the Chained Library in Hereford is the largest collection to survive with all the chains, locks and rods still intact.
Both these national treasures - the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library - can be seen inside an award-winning purpose-built building in Cathedral Close, next to Hereford Cathedral, which is in close proximately to many Hereford hotels.
Opened in 1996 by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, the ground floor holds the permanent exhibitions. There is now a specially designed area in the New Library Building where you can view the chained books in a setting comparable to how it would have been from the early 1600s up to the mid 19th century. The Cathedral library, housed within the Cathedral's southwest cloister, has held theological books since the 12th century, and continues to be used for research as well as being an attraction for visitors.
The Mappa Mundi exhibition also gives you the chance to use modern interactive computer technology along with various artefacts and reproductions. All in all this a superb and unique visitor experience and has certainly earned its reputation for being an internationally acclaimed tourist destination.
For the ultimate visit to Hereford, choose from a selection of Hereford Hotels.
The map - the largest, most intricate and intact example in existence - is drawn on a single piece of calfskin and measures 64" x 52". A circle in the middle shows Jerusalem as the geographic centre of the world.
A fascinating history of mankind is illustrated in hundreds of drawings, which are placed around the continents. These include over 400 cities and towns along with people, animals and birds, mythical-type creatures, flora and a variety of events from biblical teachings.
The Chained Library
The Chained Library in Hereford is another unique and renowned treasure.
Using an ancient security measure that once protected valuable books, a chain is attached to the front cover of each book, which is then slotted on a rod on a lower shelf. This means that books can be taken down from the shelves to be studied but cannot be removed totally from the bookcases.
The oldest of the books is the 8th century Hereford Gospels, but this is just one of the priceless medieval manuscripts held here - incredibly, there are 229 similar ones and 1,500 other rare works. Dating from the 17th century, the Chained Library in Hereford is the largest collection to survive with all the chains, locks and rods still intact.
Both these national treasures - the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library - can be seen inside an award-winning purpose-built building in Cathedral Close, next to Hereford Cathedral, which is in close proximately to many Hereford hotels.
Opened in 1996 by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, the ground floor holds the permanent exhibitions. There is now a specially designed area in the New Library Building where you can view the chained books in a setting comparable to how it would have been from the early 1600s up to the mid 19th century. The Cathedral library, housed within the Cathedral's southwest cloister, has held theological books since the 12th century, and continues to be used for research as well as being an attraction for visitors.
The Mappa Mundi exhibition also gives you the chance to use modern interactive computer technology along with various artefacts and reproductions. All in all this a superb and unique visitor experience and has certainly earned its reputation for being an internationally acclaimed tourist destination.
For the ultimate visit to Hereford, choose from a selection of Hereford Hotels.
For more information on places in Herefordshire, follow the link in the resource box below.
Maureen Vincent-Northam writes regularly about the beautiful county in which she lives. To learn more about Herefordshire visit Goherefordshire at http://www.goherefordshire.co.
Maureen Vincent-Northam writes regularly about the beautiful county in which she lives. To learn more about Herefordshire visit Goherefordshire at http://www.goherefordshire.co.
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