Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
The Exeter Book, the manuscript in which "The Seafarer" is found, was used and abused over the course of its history as everything from a cutting board to a coaster for a beer mug. It was also damaged in a fire. Shmoop hopes you're nicer to your books. (Cited in source.)
The Exeter Book was given to the Exeter Cathedral Library by the Bishop of Exeter, Leofric in the eleventh century. It's still there to this day, so if you're willing to fly all the way to England, you just might get a glimpse. (Source.)