The Book of Common Prayer is the official service book of the Church of England and one of the finest works in the English language.

A new temporary exhibition, within the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition at Hereford Cathedral, celebrates the 350th anniversary of the 1662 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. Issued two years after the Restoration of the monarchy, following the English Civil War and Commonwealth period, it remains to this day the only liturgy specifically legalized by the English Parliament and is still in use in many churches in England and for at least one service in the Cathedral every day.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the Cathedral's sealed copy of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, one of only 27 to survive. It includes corrections made in manuscript to agree with the new standard legal version and could be referred to in legal disputes about the wording. Alongside it in the exhibition is the Charter of Charles II which accompanied it and the book itself includes the signatures and seals of six commissioners, who certified:

that wee have examined and compared this Booke with the Originall, and wee find it a true and perfect copy.

The exhibition then traces the history of the English Prayerbook through to the present day, with examples on display dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

Also included from the Cathedral's important collection of over 200 medieval manuscripts are two illuminated manuscripts which show us how some of the services were said and sung before the Reformation. Both are 'noted', i.e. with the music. The 13th-century Hereford Breviary contains all the materials for the performance of the daily offices. It is the earliest surviving source for the Use of Hereford and the only one to include the music.  The 15th-century Sarum Manual contains the forms prescribed for the administration of the Sacraments, according to the prevalent Use of Sarum (Salisbury).

We are also fortunate to be able to display a fabulous medieval illuminated Book of Hours, on loan from a local family. Produced in France in the 15th century, it includes fine miniature paintings of the signs of the zodiac, the labours of the months, and biblical scenes, especially from the life of the Virgin Mary, all framed with beautiful decoration. Unlike the Book of Common Prayer, intended for use in public worship, this would have been an object for private contemplation and a person's prized possession.

"Lift up your hearts" is on show until the end of May 2012. The Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition is open Monday - Saturday 10am until 4pm. Last admission is 3.30pm.

Entrance to the Mappa Mundi Exhibition, the Chained Library and this temporary one is £6 Adults / £5 Concessions / £14 Family ( 2 Adults + 3 Children) £10 Family ( 1 Adult + 3 Children).

A season ticket is available at £15.