Oxford, Bodleian Library MS Auct. D. 5. 3 (27688) Breton Pocket Gospels with OE Glosses

Abstract

342. Oxford, Bodleian Library MS Auct. D. 5. 3 (27688)

Breton Pocket Gospels with OE Glosses

[Ker 293, Gneuss 532]

HISTORY: Small private or pocket Gospels, with prefaces, imperfect at beginning and end. Written in Brittany (Pacht and Alexander 1966), perhaps at the monastery of Landevennec, in late 9c/ early 10c. Might have come to England in same movement of Landevennec manuscripts following the destruction of the monastery by the Vikings in early 10c that brought the "Harkness Gospels" (New York Public Library MS 115) and Breton Gospels in Bodleian Auct. D. 2. 16 [340] to south-west England during the reign of Æthelstan. The former manuscript was probably at Winchester (at Como by 18c), the latter definitely at Exeter in time ofLeofric and perhaps a foundation gift from Æthelstan (see Deuffic 1985: 266, 268, 270; Hartzell 1981). OE glosses added in early 10c, a few written in ink and many others scratched in dry point. Belonged to N[athaniel] Crynes (inscription, f. 1r, bottom) and given by him to the Bodleian in 1736.