Following the announcement in 1988 that Hereford Cathedral intended to auction the Mappa Mundi to raise funds for the cathedral's restoration an alternative proposal was made to establish a public company funded by share capital to which ownership of the map would pass via a Trust in exchange for the Trust's access to the company's funds.  This ensured that the Mappa Mundi remained on display in the cathedral and that the cathedral received monies needed to maintain the cathedral fabric and the map's preservation.  This document is the prospectus for the initial sale of shares and gives full details of the share offer as well as a complete description of the map, the objectives of the Trust, and a very full market valuation of the map by Sotheby's (£7m at the time).  Unusual item.  Near new condition.  Cat No n92