Matthew–Mark in the Later Version of the Wycliffite Bible — 15th century, first quarter; England

Title

Matthew–Mark in the Later Version of the Wycliffite Bible — 15th century, first quarter; England

Shelfmark

MS. Laud Misc. 207

Date

15th century, first quarter

Language

Latin

Middle English (1100-1500)

Contents

Form

codex

Support

parchment, paper flyleaves

Physical extent

136 leaves, c.

Hands

textura, black ink; variations in the size of script independent of textual or codicological boundaries (e.g., fols. 14v–15r)

Decoration

4-line ‘puzzle’ initials in red and blue, with red and purple penwork, at the beginnings of gospels.

2-line blue initials with red penwork at the beginnings of prologues and chapters.

Added drawing on fol. 49r: a profile head of a man, 15th century (?). Added sketches on fol. 129r–v, early modern (?).

Rubrics in red ink.

Binding

Brown leather over pasteboard, 16th century. Double blind fillet-line border round the edge of both covers. Gilt coat of arms of Laud on both covers. Four raised bands on spine framed by blind fillet lines. Three paper labels on spine containing: ‘Euan…lia secundum Ma… et(?) Marcum… M. S.’ (handwritten); ‘Laud. E 6.’ (typewritten) and ‘Laud 207’ (typewritten). Laid paper flyleaves. Two fabric ties on each cover.

Acquisition

Bodleian Library: second donation from Laud, 16 June, 1636. Earlier shelfmark: ‘E 6’ (upper pastedown, binding)

Provenance

Erased inscription, presumably medieval on fol. 2r.

Christopher Watson Deiragrantus (i.e., ‘of Durham’) (1545/6–1580/81), historian and translator; see Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: Christopher Watson Deiragirantus, 1574 Ætat suæ 29; added coat of arms (fol. 1v). Probably rector of Bircham Newton, Norfolk, in 1573; deacon at Norwich in 1574; and rector of Beachamwell in Norfolk. Theological notes on fols. 8r, 29r, 74r, 103v, 105r, 118b (?).

Joseph Maynard, fellow of Exeter College, Oxford, 1625–1653, and Rector 1662–1666 (Foster, 1891–92, p. 995) (fol. 2r).

William Laud (1573–1645); see Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: Liber Guilielmi Laud Archiepiscopi Cantuar’: et Cancellarij Vniuersitatis Oxon. 1635 (fol. 3v).

Title

Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark (later Wycliffite version)

Shelfmark

MS. Laud Misc. 207

Date

15th century

Language

English

Physical extent

130 Leaves

Custodial history

Manuscript 2284 acquired by the Bodleian Library