MS 50: Martyrology (Use of Aberdeen), 16th century (after 1552)
Contents
The manuscript is a Martyrology from the 16th century (after 1552) and originating in Scotland. A martyrology is a catalogue or list of martyrs and other saints arranged in the calendar order of their anniversaries or feasts. This specific manuscript is similar to the Aberdeen Breviary; it is Use of Aberdeen.
The Kalendar with Obits starts on f.1r.
The Martyrologium secundum usum Ecclesie Aberdonensis (Martyrology, Use of Aberdeen) starts on f.25r.
Written in a large, rather decadent Gothic hand with plain blue and red capitals. One border and several initials are rudely painted in water colour.
The border is on f.25r and includes floral details as well as birds, dragons and other creatures. The historiated initial on this page features the Holy Ghost in dove form.
Dates
- Creation: 16th century (after 1552)
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
1 bound MS volume
Custodial History
The Kalendar is almost identical with that of the Aberdeen Breviary. The Obits seem to connect the book directly with the Cathedral Church of Moray at Elgin.
It would appear, from entries at the end, to have been owned successively by Alexander Gordoun, Patrick Dunbar, and James Spens. The following inscriptions are found: Per me Patritium Dunbar manu propria Amen. This buk pertinns to Alex. Gordoun. Per me Jacobum Spens manu propria. An Alexander Gordoun (1516-74) was bishop-elect of Moray and administrator of the diocese of Caithness (1544). Patrick Dunbar appears in the Registrum Moraviense as succentor of Moray in 1532. James Spens may be Sir James Spens of Wormiston (1571-1627).
It was presented to the Library in 1677 by Laurence Charteris, Professor of Theology in Edinburgh.
Previous reference
D. b. I. 8.
Bibliography
Laing, David. "An Obituary and Calendar of Scottish Saints, extracted from The Martyrology for the use of the Church of Aberdeen, A Ms. of the Sixteenth Century." Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland), volume ii, part 2, 1855, pp.256-72.
Forbes, A. P. Kalendars of Scottish Saints. Edmonston and Douglas, 1872.
Physical Facet
Material : Vellum
Binding: Modern
Collation: a8-c8, d7 (1 cut out), e8-o8, p1=110.
Dimensions
27.94 cm x 19.05 cm
General
Secundo folio: Prisce virgis
Foliation and number of lines to a page: ff. 110, 24 lines to a page.
Source
- Gordoun, Alexander, 1516-1574 (bishop-elect of Moray and administrator of the diocese of Caithness) (Former owner, Person)
- Dunbar, Patrick, fl 1532 (succentor of Moray) (Former owner, Person)
- Spens, James, Sir, 1571-1627 (Scottish adventurer and diplomat) (Former owner, Person)
- Charters, Laurence, 1625-1700 (Scottish minister and theology professor in Edinburgh) (Donor, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk