London, British Library, Add. 23211 Fragments of Computistica, Saxon Regnal Lists, and "OE Martyrology"

Abstract

163. London, British Library, Add. 23211

Fragments of Computistica, Saxon Regnal Lists,

and "OE Martyrology"

[Ker 127, Gneuss 282]

HISTORY: Two cut-down leaves (trimmed on bottom and both sides), probably from the same late 9c manuscript, used as binding materials, probably flyleaves, in an octavo printed book and removed about 1859. A note by Sir Frederick Madden in the small portfolio in which it is kept says it was received from the Department of Printed Books on 31 Dec. 1859 and another says it was examined in 1867 by 'WC No other details are recorded. The "Martyrology" is a compilation from many sources of brief notices of saints and feast-days composed in the mid-9c in the Anglian dialect. The genealogy of West Saxon kings is down to Alfred, so presumably the date of writing is 871 x 899. Gneuss gives provenance of"Wessex:' All the writing seems to be in the same pointed A-S minuscule hand, which Dumville (1992:92) characterizes as "poor West-Saxon book-hand of Alfred's reign:" See description of BL Cotton Julius A. x (200] for further information on the "Martyrology:' [Note: Ker, Cat., says they were "formerly pastedowns;' but there is no evidence of paste and the creases that impinge on the text, with sewing holes along them, suggest they were front and back flyleaves in the same small volume.]