The Book of Kells is one of many Gospel manuscripts written from the late sixth century to the early ninth century in the [[Monasteries|monasteries]] in Scotland, northern England, and Ireland. The Book of Kells was produced late in this period, perhaps around the beginning of the ninth century, and represents the high point in writing these artistic manuscripts. The manuscripts have been grouped by scholars based upon similarities in artistic style, script, and textual traditions. Among other surviving examples of this Biblical style are the Cathach of St. Columba, the Book of Durrow, the Durham Gospels, Lindisfarne Gospels, and the Macregal Gospels.

The place or places where the Book of Kells was created is not known. Traditionally, it is thought the book was begun in the time of St. [[Columba]] in the sixth century. Based upon palaeographic evidence involving the style of script used in writing the book, it appears the manuscript was written after St. Columba’s death, thus discounting the traditional premise. Among the theories of its creation is that it was begun in Scotland, possibly at Monastery of [[Monastery of Iona]], and then brought to Kells Abbey when the monks of Iona moved to Kells to escape Viking raids at Iona. Since the book is not finished other possibilities about its creation have risen: such ideas as that creation of the book continued at Kells or not.