Abstract

The cartulary of Thorney Abbey, known as the Red Book of Thorney, is a large volume begun in the early years of the fourteenth century, beginning with a chronological table of the Kings of England, Abbots of Thorney and Bishops of Ely. Its rich contents mostly comprise title deeds and privileges and it ends with the lives and deeds of the abbots of the Fenland abbey of Thorney, near Peterborough. It was recently conserved and rebound with the aid of a donation made via the Friends by Sandra and Tony Raban. Today offers a chance to see the Red Book, while Dr Raban explains its significance and Shaun Thompson of the Library Conservation Department describes the conservation work.