This composite manuscript is famous for its second part, which contains the earliest copy of the Chanson de Roland. Written in the Anglo-Norman dialect of French, this copy was probably produced in England in the second quarter of the twelfth century, but its medieval provenance remains tantalisingly opaque. The first part of the manuscript, containing a Latin translation of Plato's Timaeus, was owned by Oseney Abbey from the thirteenth century: that the abbey also owned the chanson de geste is possible but unproven.

Title

This composite manuscript is famous for its second part, which contains the earliest copy of the Chanson de Roland. Written in the Anglo-Norman dialect of French, this copy was probably produced in England in the second quarter of the twelfth century, but its medieval provenance remains tantalisingly opaque. The first part of the manuscript, containing a Latin translation of Plato's Timaeus, was owned by Oseney Abbey from the thirteenth century: that the abbey also owned the chanson de geste is possible but unproven.

Shelfmark

MS. Digby 23

Date

12th century, second quarter (?)

12th century, middle

Language

Anglo-Norman

Middle English (1100-1500)

Latin

Contents

Binding

Standard binding of the Digby collection, between 1632 and 1634: light brown leather, stamped on each cover in gilt with the large armorial stamp of Sir Kenelm Digby, with his arms in a laurel leaf within a pointed oval frame which carries the legend ‘INSIGNIA KENELMI DIGBY EQVITIS AURATI’; two clasps.

Provenance

Both parts of the manuscript were demonstrably together in Thomas Allen's library (octavo section, no. 48: Timaeus Platonis Lat: cum Romances Gallicis metro). Whether they were together previously is uncertain. Possible evidence in favour of an earlier association is provided by matching rust stains and holes on part 1, fol. 1 and part 2, fol. 76 which may suggest a shared earlier binding. Samaran and Parkes believed that the word 'Chalcidiu[s]' in thirteenth-century script could be read on part 2, fol. 72r, which would suggest that the two parts had been together since the thirteenth century.

Against this must be set other arguments: the title on part 1, fol. 2r (thirteenth century, second half according to Ker) refers only to the Timaeus; and the added text at the end of part 1, fol. 55v, mid-14th century, would seem to suggest that this page was then the end of a volume. Worm-damage at the beginning of part 2 indicates that it was separately bound at some stage.

Kenelm Digby: his signature and motto, fol. 2r, ‘Vindica te tibi / Ken: Digby’.

Presented by him to the Bodleian in 1634.

Title

Platonis Timaeus; La Chanson de Roland

Shelfmark

MS. Digby 23

Summary

55, 72 leaves

Date

'I consider this within the 1st half of the 12th [cent.].' E. W. B. N.

Language

Latin

Physical extent

1 box

Custodial history

Manuscript 1458 acquired by the Bodleian Library (74). Belonged in whole or in part to Thomas Allen of Gloucester Hall.