10 March to 9 May 2026
Venue: Story of Reading Gallery, Reading Museum
The original 13th century manuscript of Sumer is icumen in returns to Reading thanks to a major loan from the British Library, generously supported by the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M Weinrebe.
The song, a round rejoicing in springtime, is the earliest and one of the most celebrated pieces of medieval English music, believed to have been created at Reading Abbey. This is the first chance to see the manuscript in the town since the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539.
It is displayed in The Story of Reading gallery, within the Reading Abbey displays just metres from the Abbey Quarter where it was likely composed over 750 years ago.
The Reading Rota has influenced generations of musicians and has appeared in works as varied as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), The Wicker Man (1973), and the beloved children’s series Bagpuss (1974).
This loan is part of the British Library on Tour programme, which shares special items from the national collection with people across the UK.
