This landmark exhibition brings back six exceptional medieval manuscripts to Exeter for the first time in over 400 years.
The ancient city of Exeter has one of the most impressive cathedrals in medieval England. Its bishops were at the heart of the religious, cultural and political life of the city and country. For most ordinary people, the guardians of the church and its sacred texts were truly the gatekeepers to heaven. Among Exeter’s most powerful bishops were Leofric (1050-1072) and John Grandisson (1327-1369). Both amassed magnificent collections of manuscripts, making the cathedral library a renowned centre of European learning.
The manuscripts are on loan from the world-famous Bodleian Library in Oxford where they form part of the founding collection of 1602. Originally, the manuscripts were part of Exeter cathedral’s impressive medieval library. Each one sheds light on the medieval world and Exeter’s place in it. They show the power of words, pictures and books, and how the concerns of the Middle Ages reflect those of our own times.
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: Entrance to RAMM is via Queen Street or the Garden Entrance.
You can reach the Garden Entrance via two accessible routes via Castle Street, past Exeter Library, or via Little Queen Street and Musgrave Row, which is level.
Wheelchair users and people with mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies can access the Garden Entrance using the ramp from the blue-badge parking area, or may use our lift at the Queen Street entrance. Small vehicles, including minibuses, can also use the parking area to drop passengers. To book blue-badge parking, please email museum.reception@exeter.gov.uk or call 01392 265960 during opening hours – 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and bank holidays).
The 16 galleries on 2 floors are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are two lifts in the museum. There is level access on each floor with ample space to manoeuvre between displays. Some doors open automatically. Large print, hearing loops, wheelchairs, free WiFi and online BSL and subtitled videos are all available.
Our Accessibility Guide provides accurate measurements, descriptions and images of RAMM’s accessible features, helping you plan your visit with ease. This can be viewed online or downloaded as a word document. It is useful for visitors with a variety of access requirements.
The RAMM Visual Story (2MB PDF file), with pictures and words, shows how to find the museum and the facilities available. It will be particularly useful for visitors with autism and their carers.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the museum. Our staff will be happy to provide drinking water for your dog.
There are accessible toilets on both levels of the museum, and baby changing facilities on both floors. The closest accessible Changing Place toilet is located in Princesshay shopping centre on the ground floor of St Stephen’s House at the back of Nationwide in Catherine Square, adjacent to Lloyd’s Lounge.
If a visitor requires an accompanying carer, the carer will be admitted to paying exhibitions and events free of charge.
Full information at https://rammuseum.org.uk/visit/access/