Historical significance of the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells (BOK) is recognised as being historically significant for many reasons. It is a fascinating object of study, one that sheds light on religious, economic, and social practices of the time. Herbert (1994) has drawn attention to the recording of property transactions in the BOK ; this practice allows us to learn of the monastic communitys status within the community at the time. As well as being a involved in multiple property transactions which served to re-enforce political ties with the King of Ireland, Kells monastery was also still recognised as an important institution of learning (Herbert, 1994). This fact is recorded in one of the property deals detailed in the BOK. Furthermore, these annotations allow us to see how the structure of monastic settlement and of Kells itself had changed over time: prominent positions in the monastery were being filled by particular families at this time; Kells had become more urbanised. Meehan (1994, p.16) notes that the manuscript survives as a lasting "symbol of Irish nationality and creativity".