The St Cuthbert gospel is Europe's oldest intact book and dates back to circa 698. The book was recently purchased by the British Library in the United Kingdom for £9 million ($14.3m, €10.9m) after it was sold by the Society of Jesus to raise money for restoration work and education.

Originally, the book was buried with St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and was discovered in Durham Cathedral in 1104 after moving the saint's coffin there during Viking raids. The book has been on loan to the British Library since 1979 and the decision was made to purchase it, so the book will remain in the UK and not be taken overseas.