Library Catalogue, in a Collection of Writings by St Augustine
Description: The priory of the cathedral of St Andrew, Rochester, possessed a great number of books, most of which became the medieval manuscripts section of Henry VIII's library when the bishop of Rochester's belongings were confiscated in 1534 or upon his execution in 1535. The clerics, monks and canons at the cathedral would have need for many types of books: for study, conducting church and prayer services and for personal devotion. This manuscript, copied in the early 12th century, contained St Augustine's 'On Christian Doctrine' and 'On True Religion'. In the late 12th or beginning of the 13th century, the monastery's cantor, Alexander, wrote out a catalogue of all the books owned by the priory on the flyleaves at the front of this manuscript.The range of books in the library was stunning. The entries on this page begin with a 'Life of St Etheldrithe' (Aetheldreda) and include many other saints' lives, biblical commentaries, law books, philosophy, medical books, herbals and a 'mappa mundi' (map of the world). Alexander, the cantor, was clearly involved as a librarian. His name appears in several places, including in the left margin indicating several of the entries as "Alex's books". In the second column another librarian later noted that the organisation and cataloguing were the work of "Alexander the cantor". Another later revision of Robert (?) de Waltume is written below that.
Date: [1202]
Date of creation: 12th century, 1st half, 1st quarter, 1202
Type: StillImage; Manuscript
Format: jpeg; 26; 17; Centimetres; Ink and pigments on vellum
Subject: Kent, cathedrals, libraries; Manuscripts, medieval -- Great Britain; 091
Identifier: 011ROY000005B12U00003000; Royal MS 5 B.xii
Is part of: Illuminated Manuscripts. Collect Britain
Rights: Copyright © British Library Board
Data provider: The British Library
Provider: The European Library
Providing country: United Kingdom
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- Place Label: [rochester] (def)
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