One of the tourist attractions that Joan Ishibashi and I were most interested to see was the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, both kept at Hereford Cathedral.

The Mappa Mundi is the largest ancient world map which has been stored and displayed at Hereford Cathedral since 1300. I really didn’t know what it was all about but am so glad we took the time to see it.

In the center of the map is Jerusalem and Biblical scenes. On the bottom left is England and the countries of Europe are clearly defined. The countries of China and India are at the top and the furthest south is the Nile River. The map is not just a map—it is a compendium of knowledge and mythology at that time.

It was really interesting to see this world view circa 1300—Joan wondered what the world view might have been at that time from an Asian perspective?

Watch this informative video on the Hereford Mappa Mundi here.

For a comprehensive and interactive website on the Mappa Mundi, click here.

The Chained Library is a collection of rare and ancient books held together by chains, probably to keep people from walking off with them!

In 1988 Hereford Cathedral was in financial difficulties and even put the Mappa Mundi up for sale. What happened was that J. Paul Getty gave them a million pounds and told the Cathedral to keep it, leading to a new building housing the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library—and Queen Elizabeth II came to the opening and dedication!

I wanted to show you some of the places we visited on the historical Hereford walking tour. I couldn’t post these earlier when the Wi-Fi connection was so slow.

Here is a little video of me trying out one of the chamber organs on display at All Saints Church.