Rare 1535 Tyndale New Testament goes on show at Blackburn Cathedral

A rare 1535 edition of William Tyndale’s English New Testament has gone on display at Blackburn Cathedral, giving visitors in Lancashire the chance to see a significant piece of religious and language history without leaving the North West.

The book, on loan from the British Library, is the centrepiece of the Cathedral’s new Tyndale 500 exhibition, which opened on Thursday 3 September and runs until Wednesday 18 November 2026.

The exhibition marks 500 years since Tyndale’s English New Testament was first printed in 1526. Blackburn Cathedral says it explores his legacy as a translator and the wider story of how Scripture has been made accessible to ordinary people.

Displays trace that journey from scrolls and early printing methods through to modern digital access. The exhibition also looks at the continuing work of translation and the challenge of helping people hear, read and understand Scripture today.

According to the Cathedral, the exhibition tells Tyndale’s story as an innovator, Bible smuggler, reformer and martyr.

The Revd. Canon James Lawrence, Canon Missioner at Blackburn Cathedral and curator of the exhibition, said it brings together Tyndale’s translation work, the world of Tudor England and the technology of the early printing press.

He said the exhibition is the only one of its kind anywhere in the north of England and said it should appeal to pilgrims, history lovers, readers of Scripture and people who are simply curious. He also said other notable Bibles are on display and that there are children’s activities.

The Revd. Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn, said the exhibition gives people the chance to encounter a piece of history that helped shape both faith and language, and encouraged visitors from across Lancashire and beyond to come to the Cathedral.

Entry is free, although the Cathedral is encouraging a suggested donation of £5 towards the cost of hosting the exhibition and future events.

The exhibition is open whenever Blackburn Cathedral is open to the public, although the Cathedral says some entry restrictions may apply and visits may coincide with other activities taking place.

The project has been supported by the Bible Society and The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral, an independent charity which raises money for Cathedral projects.