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Sheffield Cathedral
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Sheffield Cathedral
World News

Library book returned to Sheffield Cathedral 300 years overdue

by Donna Birrell

A library book which was more than 300 years overdue, has been returned to Sheffield Cathedral.

The Telegraph says the cathedral's Vice-Dean, Canon Keith Farrow, received an email from the goddaughter of a recently deceased woman in south Wales who had left instructions in her will for the book to be returned.

The book, "The Faith and Practice of a Church of England Man, a treatise for the laity", was first published in 1688. The Sheffield copy is a seventh edition dating from 1704.

Inside is the inscription: "This Book belongs to ye Lending Library in Sheffield Church 1709." It contains sermons by leading churchmen of the time and essays on correct behaviour. 

The volume, which Canon Farrow believes has little financial value, will go on display in the cathedral.

He told the Sheffield Star he is trying to work out what the fine would be and joked that it may be enough to pay for a new roof for the cathedral.

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