Hymn book donated to university

history and cultures#topic

An ancient hymn book printed by the `Father of Fleet Street` has been donated to Manchester University.

The 500-year-old book was printed in 1502 by Wynkyn de Worde - who established the first printing press in Fleet Street.

The priceless book, one of only three known copies, has been donated to the John Rylands University Library after there were fears of its condition deteriorating at St Mary's Church in Nantwich, Cheshire, where it was kept for years.

Ed Potten, assistant keeper of printed books at the library, said: "Church libraries like this are increasingly rare and Nantwich is a particularly important example.

"We were particularly delighted to discover the Wynkyn de Worde hymnal - a truly spectacular addition to our collections of early English books.

"Wynkyn de Worde worked for William Caxton, England's first printer, and took over his business following Caxton's death

"As a printer, de Worde was extremely prolific and he is credited with the creation of the mass book market."

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