Dr. Victoria Whitworth’s new research offers some pretty convincing evidence that the Book of Kells—an ornate illuminated manuscript displaying the four Gospels—actually started life in eastern Scotland. This weakens the previously widely accepted assumption that it was produced on Iona. This stunning disclosure has the potential to radically alter historical accounts of the 8th century’s most celebrated manuscript.
For a time, scholars thought the Book of Kells was started in the late eighth century. They believe this was produced in the monastery on Iona, an island just off the west coast of Scotland. Historical records state that a Viking raid in the ninth century forced the transportation of the manuscript. From there it was transported to the monastery of Kells in County Meath, Ireland. Dr. Whitworth’s research, outlined in her recently published book titled “The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma,” posits that the manuscript was likely created around 1,200 years ago at the Portmahomack monastery located in Easter Ross, northeast of Inverness.
The Book of Kells is better known for its ornate craftsmanship. Scholars and art lovers alike are fond of its extensive relief long Latin inscription, striking lettering, terrific display capitals. Dr. Whitworth notes that the script is very similar to manuscripts produced at the Northumbrian island monastery of Lindisfarne. This points to a diverse European, American and Middle Eastern arts scene that encourages experimentation and innovation.
Dr. Whitworth undercuts claims that Iona is the starting point of the manuscript. He argues that this theory has no greater intrinsic merit than other theories. As she likes to remind people, “the normal textbooks will tell you there are zero Pictish manuscripts. Let’s flip that concept on its head. In fact, the Book of Kells is technically one manuscript that remains delightful and Pictish in appearance! If true, this claim casts into doubt the long-held belief that there are no surviving Pictish manuscripts.
The Picts were proud of their sophisticated artistry, particularly their achievements in Christian sculpture. Thanks to a dearth of surviving manuscripts for the past several decades, many have come to see them as dark, arcane, and regressive. Dr. Whitworth’s findings could alter this outdated perception and underscore the Picts’ contributions to early medieval art and culture.
Scholarly research claims that the Book of Kells illustrates a historical period when movement was insurgent. Holy men, itinerant artists, and raw materials did a lot of traveling across Ireland, Britain, and continental Europe. Rachel Moss noted, “Unless actually recorded in a manuscript, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint where it was made, or by whom.” This mobility further makes it difficult to identify the specific origins of such artworks.
…the marvelous carvings produced by the monks of Portmahomack. He argues that these complex texts demonstrate that they, too, were capable of producing works equal to those in Kells. She also notes that it’s the most complexly carved stone object from the early Middle Ages. This incredible production is unique anywhere in the British Isles. The relationship of these monks to the craftsmanship displayed in the Book of Kells further supports her theory.
The Book of Kells is first mentioned in official records at the Kells monastery. This place has historically been seen as its grave. It is thanks to Dr. Whitworth’s groundbreaking research that we are beginning to understand its origin and possible links with Pictish culture.