A copy of William Shakespeare’s First Folio, which has gone on display in Skipton, is believed to be one of only five on show to the public in the world.

The secure exhibition room was officially opened by Dr Anthony West, a leading expert on the works of the Bard and who identified Craven Museum’s copy as a genuine First Folio, published in 1623.

He described the district’s possession of the edition, one of only 228 in existence, as a “triumph.”

“It is very unusual for a small town museum like this to possess such a wonderful thing – it is usually academic institutions and famous libraries,” he said.

The copy, which is minus the comedies, is on show in a room of its own behind toughened glass and accompanied by information which traces the history of the volume.

It will be on permanent display, and a page will be turned every month.

At present, it is open at the start of the play The Life Of King Henry Fifth.

“The display was made possible thanks to a £10,000 donation from Renaissance Yorkshire 2012 Ready fund and by a bequest from the late Edith Stead,” said Suzanne Callaghan, museum and arts manager.

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