It's a miracle: rare and valuable King James Bible turns up in Wiltshire church

An original copy of the King James Bible has appeared in a Wiltshire, by a group researching the history of St Laurence Church.

The residents made a link between reading about the bible they were reading about being held in the church in a glass case and one known to sit on a shelf at the back of the church.

There are fewer than 200 original printings of the King James Bible in existence and it is believed that the Wiltshire example is one of the few remaining editions printed in 1611.

A King James Bible (sold at PBA galleries)

The King James Bible is sometimes described as 'the only literary masterpiece ever to have been produced by a committee' - one sold at PBA Galleries recently for $14,400, though of course the exact price will depend on the condition. Regardless it will make a great investment.

The St Laurence example was first rediscovered in the mid-19^th century, and the Reverend Francis Fischer created a wooden cover in order to maintain its condition. Unfortunately he also trimmed the pages to fit.