The wonders of the natural world, as revealed in the creation story from the Bible, are the subject of a special week-long exhibition in Salisbury Cathedral’s medieval library in April. The library is rarely open to the public so this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Our Beautiful Earth, running from Saturday April 6 to Friday, April 12, will feature documents and illustrated books from the thousands kept in the Cathedral’s historic library and archive collections.

Highlights will include a seventeenth century star atlas and an early minute book in which the medieval priests recorded their sighting of the Great Comet of 1472, as well as a medieval Bible showing the creation story in the Book of Genesis, when God created the Heavens and Earth in six days.

Salisbury Journal: 'The fifth day God creates the birds and sea creatures''The fifth day God creates the birds and sea creatures' (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

Other fascinating exhibits will include the first book on anatomy published in English, by Helkiah Crooke, in 1631.

It caused a lot of controversy at the time, as many, including the Church, considered it was indecent as it contained illustrations of the female reproductive system.

There will be a 1579 book about medicinal plants from the newly discovered North and South Americas, written by Nicolás Monardes, who was the first to write about plants from this part of the world.

Salisbury Journal: Ursa Minor (Little Bear) from the star atlasUrsa Minor (Little Bear) from the star atlas (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

Visitors will also be able to view a 1670 accounts book from the Cathedral’s Clerk of Works, recording the acquisition and delivery from London to the Cathedral of two eagles.

Our Beautiful Earth is open in the Cathedral library from April 6 to April 12, daily from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm (except Sunday when there is no morning opening).

Entry is included in general Cathedral admission. For further information visit salisburycathedral.org.uk