New Mappa Mundi display opens at Hereford Cathedral

The medieval Mappa Mundi is going on show again at Hereford Cathedral.

The map was drawn up in about 1300 and is thought to be among the oldest maps of the world still in existence.

The new display features an audio visual presentation and allows people to get closer to the map, which is also now better lit.

The exhibition also features a "turning the pages" interactive screen for people to explore some of the cathedral's ancient books.

Cathedral staff have spent the past three weeks removing the old exhibition and installing the new one.

The Mappa Mundi exhibition first opened in 1996 following the completion of the New Library Building.

Canon Chris Pullin, the cathedral's chancellor, said: "Putting the Mappa Mundi in a better lit case and letting people get closer was a real priority and including more interactive elements for people to use."

Funding for the project came from the Mappa Mundi Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and Lord Gavron in partnership with Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.

Mappa Mundi Trust chairman Simon Arbuthnott said: "The Mappa is a national treasure which we are hugely proud to have in Hereford, and people come from all over the world to see it.

"Our new exhibition will give our many visitors a much fuller, more enjoyable and more meaningful experience."