Cambridge, Trinity College R.7.3 Bede "Ecclesiastical History," "Epistoli Cuthberti" (with Bede's "Death Song" in OE)

Abstract

81a. Cambridge, Trinity College R.7.3 (741)

Bede "Ecclesiastical History,"

"Epistoli Cuthberti" (with Bede's "Death Song" in OE)

[RS: 3.19; Ker: --; Gneuss: --]

HISTORY: Written in the early 14c. The text of Bede's "Ecclesiastical History" is that of the second variety of the "common text of southern England in the later Middle Ages" (Colgrave and Myoors 1991: lv), containing "after Bede's History and Cuthbert's letter on his death ... a Latin version of the well-known anonymous Old English tract of the Resting-places of the English saints. This was translated, according to F. Liebermann ... at St Augustine's, Canterbury, between 1033 and 1085" (!vii; cf. Liebermann 1889: xvii). Compare Ker, Cat., 104.

The edges bear traces of markings in red, green and black. These are described by Colgrave and Myoors 1991 as "perhaps a coat of arms, Gules three chevrons argent, on a vine-leaf background," on the foredge, "whilst the lower edge is half Checky argent and sable, half Checky argent and gules"; the upper edge bears this pattern more distinctly. They remark that Argent three chevrons gules is attributed to J oho Langton (bishop of Chichester and chancellor of England) d. 1337, on unknown authority (!viii).

An inscription on the pasted-down eodpaper rtcords its donation to Trinity College: 'Dono dedit Gui!. Ayloff L.L.D. | Hujus Collegii socius | et | Acaderoiae Caotabrigieosis | Orator Publicus'. William Ayloff was Public Orator from 1698 to 1726. The class mark 'B. 8. 25' has been crossed out, and 'R. 7. 3' written beneath it.