Church receives 400-year-old Bible donation
St Cuthbert's ChurchA 400-year-old Bible has been donated to a church to help it raise money to stay open for longer during the week.
The rare artefact, known as a She Bible, was donated to St Cuthbert's Church in Darlington by local resident Kerry Eaton.
The Reverend James Harvey said the team was "delighted" to accept the donation.
"It is truly amazing to think that this Bible was being read over 400 years ago," he said.
It is known as a She Bible because Chapter 3, Verse 15 of the Book of Ruth mistakenly reads: "She went into the city."
Only a handful still exist, including ones held by Oxford and Cambridge universities as well as Salisbury, Exeter and Durham cathedrals, according to the church.
'Could serve everyone'
Ms Eaton donated the book after first buying it for her friend and Darlington resident Dr James Lycett in 2012 for just £40 at a thrift festival.
She said Dr Lycett read the book every day until his death last year. He left the Bible to Ms Eaton in his will.
"Jim did the research to establish it was a 'She Bible'," she said.
"For him, even when he knew it had a monetary value, he saw the true value in the text and the Christian heritage."
The Bible is worth about £10,000, the church said.
There are plans to sell it as part of fundraising efforts to increase access as the church is currently only open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr Harvey said the team needed to make sure the church was "fit for the 21st century".
"Whilst our church offers uplifting worship and hospitality, our church doors remain shut for the vast majority of the week," he said.
"We want to offer a fit for purpose venue that serves all the people, including the music, arts and culture sectors in Darlington."