THE earliest surviving copy of one of the North-East’s most important historical documents is to return to its birthplace.

The Boldon Book, a North-East version of the Domesday Book, was drawn up in 1183 on the orders of the Bishop of Durham, Hugh du Puiset.

A copy of the manuscript will go on six-month display in South Shields Museum and Art Gallery from July 17.

The book is a survey of the church lands under the bishop’s control, in order to identify what rents were due to be paid to him.

It now provides a fascinating insight into the everyday life of the people of the 12th Century, and is expected to bring a host of visitors to the museum.

Geoff Woodward, museums manager at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, said: “The book – the earliest surviving manuscript of the survey of the Bishop of Durham's estates in Durham and Northumberland - was made in 1183 and is, quite simply, irreplaceable.

“The book is part of a much larger document, written in Latin and full of insights into everyday life at the time - such as people supplying chickens and eggs as part of their rent and that everyone was given 13 days holiday over Christmas.”

The Boldon Book isn’t the only historical item going on display next month, with an array of priceless treasures loaned by the British Library and British Museum set to be displayed as part of a ‘Banners of the North’ exhibition at Bede’s World in Jarrow.

They include a 15th Century gold signet ring and a gold pedant displaying St George slaying the dragon which will both go on display from July 19.