Britain’s longest overdue library book has been returned after 313 years — racking up fines of more than £54k

BRITAIN’S longest overdue library book has been returned after 313 years — racking up fines of more than £54,000.

The 1704 copy of The Faith and Practice of a Church of England Man was handed back late last year.

Sheffield Cathedral’s Reverend Canon Keith Farrow said he got an email from the family of a deceased woman saying she asked in her will for it to be returned

He added: “This little book left the library just over 300 years ago.

“Now it’s come back home so it’s a joy to have this little jewel back in the cathedral.”

A handwritten inscription inside reads: “This Book belongs to ye Lending Library in Sheffield Church 1709.”

With overdue fines of 50p a day, librarians could have charged the family more than £54,000 for the book — which is worth about £300.

The canon joked: “We might have got a new roof or something. But I did promise I wouldn’t charge them.”

Sheffield Council has announced it is scrapping fines for all late books.