Text of the office for the dead with other devotional works, c.1510

Scope and Content

Text of the office of the dead, including the vigil of the dead (vigilie mortuorum), penitential psalms, litany, the seven Oes of St Gregory, the prayer of St Ambrose before the celebration of mass, a communion prayer and, in a sixteenth century hand, a supplement of prayers to the Virgin. Illuminated capitals, some three-quarter framed borders, small drawings of birds, animals, flowers, insects or objects at bottom of most pages.

Administrative / Biographical History

The small size of this volume suggests it was probably used for private devotions rather than for church services. It was written in N E France or French Flanders. It would have been used to prepare for the possibility of death by reciting the office of the dead and associated psalms and prayers to the intercessor Mary. It might also have been read on the anniversary of a death, or before a burial.

Arrangement

Single item

Access Information

By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

Presented to the library by Rev George Walker, 1919.

Note

Call number used to be ms937

Other Finding Aids

Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Binding: of eighteenth century, sprinkled calf with embossed decoration on the spine. 'Henry Marchant' on spine label.Vellum and parchment, 8.5x12.0cm. Illuminated.

Archivist's Note

Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database

Conditions Governing Use

Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.

Custodial History

Eighteenth century spine label of 'Henry Marchant' with book stamp of A Brown of Aberdeen inside back cover.

Accruals

None

Bibliography

Fully described in N R Ker and A J Piper Medieval Manuscripts in British Libraries, Oxford, 1992, Vol.IV (Paisley to York) p.243.