The King James Bible displayed here was probably damaged by a nesting Norway rat. The Norway rat is a true omnivore and will consume almost anything, although cereals form a substantial part of its diet. When in or about human habitation, Norway rats burrow extensively to create a warm secure environment and places for females to breed. Rats generally begin a new burrow adjacent to an object or structure such as this Bible, as this would provide a sturdy roof for the burrow.
From a Well-Travelled Bible to a Well-Travelled Rat
05 November 2023
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Title Page from The New Testament
The Holy Bible: Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly translated out of the originall tongues: & with the former translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesties speciall comandement: appointed to be read in churches (London: Robert Barker, 1611)
University of Canterbury Library
The ‘King James’ – or ‘Authorised’ – version remains the most influential Bible in the English-speaking world. The University of Canterbury copy, which includes this magnificent frontispiece marking the beginning of the books of the New Testament, is one of the first print run. Originally commissioned by the Anglo-Scottish King James I in the early seventeenth century, the history of this copy before it arrived at Christ’s College, Christchurch remains unclear. It became part of the holdings of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch and, in 1983, entered the University of Canterbury collection. It is one of only two Australasian copies of this publishing landmark.
The Norway rat is one of three introduced rat species in New Zealand and the most common species found along the banks of the Avon River and throughout central Christchurch. Wild individuals are brown or grey rodents with a body up to 25 cm long, and a similar tail length. Thought to have originated in Northern China, this rodent has now spread to all continents except Antarctica. It may have arrived in New Zealand with Captain Cook in May 1773 on board the Resolution. In its black and white form, it is the common domesticated pet rat
Want to know more?
- Canterbury's King James Bible
- Peter Carrell, 'The King James Bible', in Treasures of the University of Canterbury Library, ed. by Chris Jones & Bronwyn Matthews with Jennifer Clement (Christchurch: CUP, 2011)
Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus): the likely culprit in chewing up the pages of this work, most likely to create a nest for warmth and breeding
Canterbury Museum, Ma 4102
