The Nuneaton Book returns to the town after 500 years

The manuscript is dated around 1280.

After over 500 years an important part of the history of Nuneaton has returned to the town.

The manuscript, known as The Nuneaton Book, is dated around 1280.

It belonged to Lady Margaret Sylemon who was head of Nuneaton Abbey in the late fourteenth century.

The book was written and decorated by hand on parchment and contains several works in Latin and French including the Apocalypse and a Bestiary. It also displays a chant in praise of the Virgin Mary which was part of the daily prayer routine for monks and nuns.

Councillor Sue Markham, Portfolio Holder for Public Services said: "The loan of the Nuneaton Book from the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge is a real coup for the Museum & Art Gallery and its visitors.

"The Book provides a tangible link between the Abbey and the people who lived, worked and prayed within it.

"It presents a wonderful story and something the residents of Nuneaton can be justly proud of."

The Nuneaton Book is part of a new exhibition ‘Nuneaton Abbey & The Birth of a Town.’