Royal Devotion: Monarchy and the Book of Common Prayer at Lambeth Palace Library

Exhibition: Royal Devotion: Monarchy and the Book of Common Prayer, Lambeth Palace Library, London, until July 14 2012

For 402 years, Lambeth Palace Library has held the library and records of the Church of England, lauded as “a monument of fame” by James I and a place of astonishing literary and historic depth by a clearly-impressed Peter the Great.

Earlier this year, to mark a visit by the Queen for an interfaith summit and the 350th birthday of the Book of Common Prayer, various items of royal provenence held at these historic headquarters were collated for a look at the relationship between royalty and religion.

It’s extensive enough to stretch back to Medieval times, punctuated by versions revised by the hand of Charles I, a book used at the wedding of Queen Victoria and tomes once leafed through by Richard III and Henry VIII.

Perhaps the star exhibit is the original first edition, by Thomas Cranmer in 1549.

But there’s also a 1662 one, close-up manuscripts, copies bearing monarchical markings in their margins and insights into the controversial and occasionally violent history surrounding a book which has had rulers put to death in its name and overseen rebellion, civil war, banning orders and page burning.

More pictures: