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Kalendar, 15th century

 Part
Identifier: MS 42/ff. 1r-6r
f. 1r: Start of the kalendar
f. 1r: Start of the kalendar

Scope and Contents

The Kalendar seems to be from an entirely different book originally, and has been inserted into the first folios of this volume. This particular kalendar is one of eight identified manuscripts of a medieval kalendar of feast days linked to the diocese of Rochester and of the Augustinian order. Seven of these eight extant kalendars are from the 15th century and display marks of Flemish influence through the script, illumination, spelling and confusion of Sarum and English feasts. The marks of Flemish influence on the kalendar in MS 42, along with the other 15th century versions, also indicate mass production by individuals who did not know, or perhaps care, whether their work was correct. An explanation for such production of these Augustinian calendars linked to Rochester has been suggested in an article by Mary Richards: in the mid-15th century Rochester had its first and only Augustinian bishop, John Lowe, who was a strict disciplinarian and intent on preserving his faith. Richards suggests that in this environment of Augustinian influence, perhaps there was increased demand for devotional texts in the diocese of Rochester in the late 15th century.

Writing

In a very good 15th century hand, with red and black letters.

Illumination

Capitals are alternately blue and red and gold and black filigree.

Dates

  • Creation: 15th century

Creator

Language of Materials

Latin

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to all. The manuscripts can be consulted in the Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Main Library.

Extent

6 folios

Bibliography

Richards, Mary P. 'Some fifteenth-century calendars for the Rochester diocese,’ Archaeologia Catiana(1985), 71-85.

Foliation and number of lines to a page

ff. 6 folios, 33 lines to a page.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379