The release of a series of internal emails has highlighted London-based opposition to the campaign to give the religious artefacts, which are of world importance, a permanent base in their rightful home.

The creation of the Gospels on Holy Island, Northumberland, in the early eighth century was almost certainly inspired by monks at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow.

They were taken to Durham in 995AD, and in 1537 Henry VIII took the manuscripts, which are the oldest surviving translation of Bible chapters into English, away from their North East roots.

A campaign to bring the Gospels back to the region began in the 1960s and was recently revived by The Association of North East Councils, with the backing of former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

It was hoped that if permanently brought back, the manuscripts would be held in Sunderland.

The Association of North East Councils (Anec) had been pushing to borrow them for a special three-month exhibition at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.

Becoming home to the Gospels would be a huge coup for the city, as they attracted huge queues when they were previously displayed in North East during temporary exhibitions.

However, internal British Library emails released today seemingly show contempt for the campaign.

One sent in 2001 by web editor Colin Wright said: "The natives are getting restless in the North East."

A year later Dr Michelle Brown, then curator of illuminated manuscripts, said a meeting with campaigners would have to go ahead because "we're not going to talk them round by logic."

Another email poured scorn on a call for a meeting about the Gospels by Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.

She said the British Library's emails showed it had overlooked public support for the return of the manuscripts to the North East and that its Board had not taken the region's bid seriously.

The Board said it was aware of the importance of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the people of the North East, but added: "However, the Board considers its stewardship of this world treasure, to ensure its long-term preservation, must be of paramount importance."

"However, the Board agreed earlier than an independent expert review of the conservation condition of the Gospels should be undertaken to advise the Board as to the manuscript's suitability to travel for short-term exhibition loan to the North East."