Mappa Mundi (Hansard, 20 March 1989)

§ Mr. Luce

The dean and chapter of Hereford cathedral, having withdrawn the map from public auction at the end of February, announced at the weekend their decision on the proposals before them. They hope to raise the substantial sum required for the cost of cathedral repairs, running costs and pastoral work by offering shares at £1,000 each in a company, the shareholders to receive a replica of the map and the dean and chapter to hold 50 per cent. of the stock.

The national heritage memorial fund today issued a press notice detailing its proposals, put to the cathedral on 17 February, but not in the event taken up. These were that a charitable trust should be set up, to which would pass ownership not only of the Mappa Mundi, but also the chained library, both of which would be housed in a new building. The trustees had secured from Mr. J. Paul Getty an offer of £1 million, and NHMF had also offered £2 million on the understanding that a public appeal should be launched to raise a similar sum. These proposals were open to negotiation.

I am grateful to the trustees of the fund for their efforts which, along with those of other interested parties, including Hereford city council, have led to the withdrawal from sale of Mappa Mundi. I wish the cathedral authorities every success in their task.