Fragment of Bede's commentary on the Song of Songs

Fragment of a manuscript of Bede's Expositio in Cantica Canticorum , containing his commentary on the Song of Songs 1, 3-7, beginning '[Quae] tanto magis amori' and ending 'te qui in custodi[enda]' (see Patrologiae cursus completus...Series (Latina) Prima (ed) J.P. Migne, XCI, 1086-92). The document was probably written in the early 12th century, but includes a few marginal notes in a 14th century hand.

The Venerable Bede (672/3-735) was born and lived in Northumberland. For most of his life he was a monk at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow monastery, where he dedicated his time to prayer and writing. His most famous work is the 'Ecclesiastical history of the English people', which details Christianity in England from the beginning to Bede's own day.

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Given by Miss D. Bains in 1973.

See R. Watson, 'Descriptive list of fragments of medieval manuscripts in the University of London Library `(1976).

270 x 175 mm. 4 leaves, the first lacking a sttrip cut from the outer edge; hard point ruling; writing above top line; 2-line initials in red; rubricated. Formerly a pastedown.

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.