The Cleansing of Man's Soul — c. 1400; English, London (?)
MS. Bodl. 923
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Description
From Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
This is an extract only. For more information, see the catalogue record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries.
Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries contains descriptions of all known Western medieval manuscripts held in the Bodleian Libraries, and of medieval manuscripts in selected Oxford colleges. Learn more.
Title
The Cleansing of Man's Soul — c. 1400; English, London (?)
Shelfmark
MS. Bodl. 923
Date
c. 1400
Language
Middle English (1100-1500)
Contents
Form
codex
Support
parchment
Decoration
Fine borders, initials. 'Anno domini 1401' added, fol. 153v, in a later hand. (Pächt and Alexander iii. 769)
Provenance
Barking, Essex, Abbey of St Mary the Virgin and St Ethelburga, of Benedictine nuns: 'Iste liber constat Sibille de Felton abbatisse de Berkyng' (fol. 152v); Sibilla de Felton was abbess from 1394 to 1419. Medieval binding (MLGB3: evidence from an inscription of ownership by an individual member of a religious house (which may not, however, be evidence for institutional ownership)).
William Walker (s. xvi). Given to Bodley by Nicholas Crynes. (MLGB3)
View full record in Medieval manuscripts in Oxford libraries
From Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
This is an extract only. For more information, see the catalogue record in Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts.
Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts contains descriptions of the Bodleian Libraries’ archival collections, including post-1500 manuscripts. Some manuscripts with records in other catalogues are also described here as part of a description of a larger archive. Learn more.
Title
'The Clensyng of Mannes Sowle', a devotional treatise or Penitential in three parts
Shelfmark
MS. Bodl. 923
Summary
'The Clensyng of Mannes Sowle' (fol. 5) a devotional treatise or Penitential in three parts, each of seven chapters, 'of Contricion' (fol. 5v), 'of Confession' (fol. 38v), and 'of Satisfaction' (fol. 115v): with a preface and table of contents. The pref. beg. 'In the name of our Lord ... I purpos to write a few wordes of the sacrament of penaunce': text beg. 'Lauamini & mundi estote. Beth wasch and beth clene. A gracious medycine and conseil.' At fol. 145v is a reference to 'The Chastising of Goddes children'.
The indirect connexion of this work with Chaucer's Parson's Tale is pointed out by Mr. M.H. Liddell in his contribution to the Furnivall Memorial volume (1900).
Date
written late in the 14th century in England
Language
English
Physical facet
On parchment, with an illuminated border, capitals, etc.
Physical extent
154 Leaves
Custodial history
'Anno domini 1401', 'Iste liber constat Sibille de Felton abbatisse de Berkyng': she was abbess from 1394 to 1419. 'William Walker' (late 17th century).
View full record in Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts
Collection contents
'The Clensyng of Mannes Sowle', a devotional treatise or Penitential in three parts
