Inside the pages of Wadham's 13th Century Bible

Date Published: 28.03.2025

Prof Richard Gameson of Durham University takes you on a tour of this treasured item housed at Wadham.

Wadham holds a beautiful 13th Century Bible, gifted to the College by William Boswell in the early 17th century. Boswell was one of the first scholars at Wadham, arriving a couple of years after it was founded, and he subsequently became a Fellow. Within a year or two of getting his Fellowship, he presented this and at least one other manuscript to the College.

In this video, Prof Richard Gameson of Durham University takes the viewer on a tour of the majestic book, and all the details and historical quirks found within. Edited by Wadham's librarian, Tim Kirtley, this video is the latest in a series exploring Wadham's rare books.

Prof Richard Gameson of Durham University specialises in the history of the book from Antiquity to the Renaissance, and in medieval art. He has published over 100 studies on medieval manuscripts, book collections, art and cultural history.