What is the History behind the Book and how did Trinty College become the keeper?  

It originally came from Kells (in C. Meath), where a Monastery had been established in the early ninth century, at the time of the Viking invasions, by the monks of the monastery of Iona off the coast of Scotland.  In the year 1006 (recte 1007) we are told the it was wickely stolen during the night from the western sacristy of the great stone church at Cenannas (Kells) on account of its wrought shrine. A few months later, it was found under a sod, deprived of its gold. This violent wrenching of the wooden and metalwork covers may well account for the missing leaves at the beginning and end of the Book.

In the middle ages the manuscript was revered at Kells as the great gospel book of Colum Cille.  This was the term used when the Annals of Ulster record the theft of such a book in 1007.

In 1654, the Cromwellian cavalry having been quartered in the church of Kells, the governor of the town sent the Book to Dublin for safety. A few years later, after 1661, it was presented to Trinity College by Henry Jones, former bishop Clogher, who became scoutmaster general of Cromwell's army and, at the Restoration, bishop of Meath (not to mention vice-chancellor of the University).  The current Book of Kells has 340 leaves. It may have had additional leaves at the front and back but these were lost when the original jeweled covers where stolen in 1006.

By mid 19th century, the manuscript was on display in the Long Room of the College Library, and gradually assumed a new role as an art object.  As such, it has attracted on enormous degree of scholarly examination.  During the last century, the Book of Kells, both in Ireland and abroad, has become an inspiring symbol of Irish nationality and creativity.

This page depicts the arrest of Christ (folio 114r)

Click on it for hi-res image