The Bury Psalter – St Edmundsbury Cathedral

The Bury Psalter was written for, and used by, the Abbey of St Edmund and includes all the Psalms, a list of Saints, and hymns.

The Bury Psalter, an illuminated book of Psalms which dates from around 1400 and was used by the Abbey of St Edmund, is to find a new home at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

It is one of only two books from the vast medieval library of the Abbey of St Edmund known to remain in the town and finds a new home in the Cathedral’s Treasury following the closure of the Suffolk Archives site in Bury St Edmunds.

The Very Revd Joe Hawes, 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,’ he added.

When 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.

Alan Jary, Comptroller of The King Edward V1 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.’

Its arrival next month will be celebrated with a special Evensong service on Thursday 5 March before it will be placed in St Edmundsbury Cathedral’s Treasury where it can be viewed seven days a week: Monday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm and Sunday 12.30 pm – 3.00 pm.