Research has authenticated that the Volume of the Sacred Law used by the Lodge of Perseverance No 155 was printed in the 16th century.

After discussions about the Bible at a lodge committee meeting Eric Edwards decided to undertake some research.

The Bible states that it was “imprinted” in 1589, ie during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Virgin Queen.

He took the Bible to Stothert Old Books in Chester where it was confirm that the contents of the Bible were authentic 16th century though it had been rebound in genuine leather at the start of the 19th century. He was advised to take the Bible to Bloomsbury Auctions, London, a company, which is the authority on antiquarian books.

Eric Edwards with the Lodge of Perseverance Volume of the Sacred Law which was printed in 1589.

Eric then visited the books and manuscripts department of Bloomsbury Auctions where it was seen by Hannah Hills who also showed it to the head of department Simon Luterbacher. They both agreed that the Bible is authentic 16th century. The Bible was said to be in a very good condition considering its age though the 1800’s binding had been neglected. “Stained” pages and hand written notes in the Bible add to its authenticity.

The contents of the Bible are composed of two sections. The first section originally contained 555 pages, but pages 358 to 440 – the Books called Apocrypha – are missing. There are distinct differences between the Protestant and Catholic Bibles with the former usually lacking so-called Apocryphal books. The Apocrypha books may have been excluded to conform to Protestant ideals when it was rebound. The books of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible appear to be present. The second section of 92 pages contains a Book of Psalms.

Eric was told that two copies of the 1589 Bible had passed through the auctions since 2000. Its value is believed to be between £800 and £1,200.

The Bible was acquired by the founders of the Lodge of Perseverance when it came into existence in the early 1800’s. It is possible that a family or families held the Bible for many years as was usual in those days. It was gifted to George Carmen (born 1686) by his Godfather.

Eric said: “The Lodge is very fortunate to possess such a treasure, which will continue to be a focal point during the ceremonies.”