CHESHIRE.- The library at the National Trust’s Lyme Park has been restored and is home once again to the Caxton Missal.

A three year project to return a unique book to the library at Lyme Park and restore the room to its 19th century glory has finally been realised.

The library at the National Trust’s Lyme Park is home once again to the Caxton Missal, a rare 15th century prayer book printed by England’s first printer, William Caxton. The missal was acquired with the Art Fund's support and help from other funding bodies.

Art Fund director Stephen Deuchar said: “This visually striking work helps tell the story of 15th century England and it’s so important that people see it within its original context. We thank all our members and supporters for helping bring it back where it belongs – and now that the fantastic library has been restored, many more people will come and be inspired by it.”

Lyme Park is a beautiful estate on the edge of the Peak District. Its library has been restored to how it would have looked in the late 19th century when the Missal was last displayed there.

The library was officially opened by the Hon David Legh, whose grandfather gave Lyme to the National Trust in 1946.