4.4. Latin documentary scripts
Click on the pictures to view them in full screen format
4.4.1. Roman documentary scripts
- MS 698 Roma, 139
- MS 1976 Spain or South Italy, 209
4.4.2. National and regional documentary scripts
- MS 570 France, 2nd half of 7th c.
Anglo-Saxon minuscule and capitals
- MS 590/51 Galicia, 1115
4.4.3. Carolingian documentary scripts
Carolingian documentary scripts
Carolingian papal documentary scripts
- MS 590/02 Vatican, 1024
4.4.4. Romanesque documentary scripts
4.4.5. Gothic, Court and secretary documentary scripts
Secretary documentary cursive script
4.4.6. Italian chancery, rounded and humanistic documentary scripts
Italian rounded documentary script
- MS 568/ 01 Verona, 1274
- MS 590/41 Avignon, 1321
4.4.1. Roman documentary scripts
FLEET DIPLOMA GIVEN BY EMPEROR ANTONINUS PIUS TO THE VETERAN SAILOR MARCUS LOLLIUS NEON FROM LAERTES IN PAMPHYLIA AFTER 26 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE PRAETORIAN FLEET OF MISENUM UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAECIUS SEVERUS, UNDER THE CONSULS ANTONINUS AUGUSTUS PIUS AND GAIUS BRUTTIUS PRAESENS. COPIED AND CHECKED FROM THE BRONZE TABLET SET UP IN ROMA ON THE WALL BEHIND THE TEMPLE OF AUGUSTUS NEAR THE STATUE OF MINERVA. WITNESSES: TIBERIUS CLAUDIUS MENANDER, PUBLIUS ATTIUS SEVERUS, LUCIUS PULLIUS DAPHNUS, PUBLIUS ATTIUS FESTUS, TITUS FLAVIUS ROMULUS, TIBERIUS JULIUS FELIX, GAIUS JULIUS SILVANUS
MS in Latin on bronze, Roma, 13 February 139, 2 tabellas (complete), 19x16 cm, single column, 22 lines and 2 columns, 7 lines with witnesses' signatures, in formal Latin capitals, the insides, 12+3 lines in more informal capitals, 2 holes through each tablet for a wire that originally bound the two tablets together, secured with the seals of the 7 witnesses.
Binding: Barking, Essex, 1991, dark blue quarter morocco gilt folding case by Aquarius.
Context: There are 3 praetorian diplomas (MSS 1801, 1870, 2051/7) in The Schøyen Collection, further 11 auxiliary diplomas (MSS 1836, 1899, 2051/1-6, 2051/8, 2052, 2086), and 3 fleet diplomas (MSS 698, 1921, 2032).
6 of the 7 witnesses on the present diploma also signed MS 1921.
Provenance: 1. Marcus Lollius Neon, Laertes, Pamphylia (from 139 until his death); 2. Found in the Dardanelles, Turkey; 3. Private Collection, Beverly Hills, California (until 1990); 4. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: The present diploma gives Marcus Lollius Neon an honourable
discharge from the navy of Emperor Antoninus Pius, Roman citizenship for
himself and his descendants, and the right of legal marriage.
The present
MS contains the unusual information, of both date, place and the exemplar
copied. The exemplar, the bronze tablet set in the wall on Forum Romanum,
still survives in fragments.
Published: Margaret M. Roxan: Roman Military Diplomas 1954-77 (I), no. 38.
Exhibited: 1. Conference of European National Librarians, Oslo. Sept. 1994; 2. Kistefos-museet, Jevnaker: Romerske portretter i gull og marmor, 22 mai - 25 september 2005.
RECORD OF TESTAMENTARY CHARITIES BY DIFFERENT TESTATORS, MADE TO FREEBORN LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE BOYS AND GIRLS IN SET PROPORTIONS BY AN ESTABLISHED CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, ACCORDING TO ROMAN LAWS OF SEPTIMUS SEVERUS. UNDER THE CONSULS POMPEIANO AND AVITO, AD 209. SECRETARY TO THE PRAETORIAN PREFECTS -, OFFICIAL IN CHARGE OF THE DEATH DUTIES OFFICE, -
MS in Latin on bronze, Spain or South Italy, 209, 1 partial plaque, 22x15 cm, single column, (22x15 cm remaining), 13 lines in a transitional script between square and rustic Latin capitals.
Context: Such charitable foundations are quite well known from Italy in the 2nd c., but there is only one hitherto known from Spain, from Sevilla.
The donor may be a known official who come from Venafro in south central Italy. If so, the tablet comes from Venafro.
Provenance: 1. Private collector, Spain (until 1994); 2. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: The surviving bronze law tablets are central to the study of Roman law. Although most of the texts consist of very small fragments, they nonetheless constitute the single most important source modern scholars have for the rules, procedures, and application of Roman law before the codifications of the late Empire.
Published: R.S.O. Tomlin: An early third-century alimentary foundation: Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik, 129(2000):, pp. 287-292.
4.4.2. National and regional documentary scripts
- RENTAL OF THE ABBEY OF ST. MARTIN IN TOUR, ACCOUNT LISTING 46 TENANTS WITH AMOUNTS OF PRODUCE TO BE PAID TO THE ABBEY
- ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN: POEM ON THE LIFE OF ST. JOSEPH
MS in Latin on vellum, St. Martin's Tour, France, 2nd half of 7th c., 1 f., 23x19 cm, 2 columns, (23x19 cm), 22-24 lines in Merovingian cursive (text 1). Lined with part of a leaf of a late classical papyrus codex (text 2) in Greek, 7th c., originally 2 columns, 20 lines in Greek uncial.
Context: From the binding of Philippus on Job, MS 10.A.1. in Den Haag, the Meerman-Westreenen Museum, together with 31 further ff. now in, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale and 1 f. in London, British Library, originally comprising one or more account rolls.
Provenance: 1. Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin, Tour (ca. 675-1789); 2. Bibliothèque Municipale de Tour (1789-1832); 3. Amans-Alexis Monteil, France (1832-1833); 4. The Monteil sale, Silvestre, Paris 1833:473; 5. Sotheby's 20.6.1989:26; 6. David Thompson, Toronto; 7. Sam Fogg Rare Books Ltd., London.
Commentary: Rare leaf from a major Merovingian MS of great historical and palaeographical importance, representing the oldest MS of the Tour scriptorium (Bischoff), and preserving part of the only extant papyrus codex to have survived from antiquity north of the Alps. Text 2 is by far the earliest MS of the text. Cf. ChLA vol. IV:238 and XVIII:659.
Published: Pierre Gasnault: Deux nouveaux feuillets de la comptabilité domaniale de l'Abbaye Saint-Martin de Tour à l'époque mérovingienne, in: Journal des Savants, Paris, June-Dec. 1995, pp. 307-321, and ChLA vol. 47, no. 1404, Zürich 1997.
Anglo-Saxon minuscule and capitals
CHARTER OF GODWINE, GRANTING TO LEOFWINE THE RED THE SWINE-PASTURE AT SOUTHERNDEN, WHICH LEOFWINE ATTACHES TO BOUGHTON MALHERBE, KENT. WITNESSES: ARCHBISHOP LYFING OF CANTERBURY, ABBOT ÆLFÆR OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S, THE COMMUNITY AT CHRIST CHURCH, THE COMMUNITY AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S, SIRED, ÆLFSIGE CILD AND ÆTHELRIC
MS in Anglo-Saxon on vellum, Christ Church, Canterbury, 1013-20, 1 f., 5x26 cm, (5x25 cm), 5 long lines in a handsome skilful Anglo-Saxon minuscule, at the foot, the upper part of "+cyrograpfhum" in bold capitals with uncial "M".
Provenance: 1. Benedictine Priory of Christ Church, Canterbury; 2. Sir Edward Dering, Surrenden, Dering, Kent (1598-1644); 3. Dering family, Surrenden, Dering, Kent (1644-1863); 4. Puttick and Simpson Sale 4.2.1863:1155; 5. Dering family, Hamptons, Tonbridge, Kent (1863-1956); 6. Lady Herbert Dering of Hamptons, Tonbridge, Kent (1956); 7. Myrtle Sturges (born Dering), Biddenden, Kent (1960'es); 8. Sir Rupert Dering of Hamptons, Tonbridge, Kent (until 1989); 9. Sotheby's 20.6.1989:27; 10. Bernard Quaritch Ltd.,London.
Commentary: Apart from the Aethelgifu will in the Scheide library and MS 1354 in The Schøyen Collection, the only document in Anglo-Saxon in private ownership.
Published: L.B. Larking: On the Surrenden Charters; in: Archaeologica Cantiana 1(1858) pp. 62-64. A.J. Robertson: Anglo-Saxon Charters. Cambridge 1939, pp. 148-149, 394-395, no. 75.
P.H. Sawyer: Anglo-Saxon Charters. An annotated list and bibliography. London 1968, p. 356, no. 1220.
Simon Keynes: Anglo-Saxon Charters. Supplementary volume I. Oxford 1991, pp. 6-7, no. 19.
Mentioned: Exports of Works of Art. 37th Report of the Reviewing Committee appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1952. Presented to Parliament by the Minister for the Arts by Command of Her Majesty. London 1991, pp. 19-20, case 16.
H.R. Woudhuysen: Manuscripts at Auction: January 1989 to December 1990; in: Peter Beal and Jeremy Griffiths, eds: English Manuscript Studies 1100-1700. Vol. 3. London 1992.
INSPEXIMUS BY KING HENRY III OF THE GRANT OF KING ETHELRED THE UNREADY TO THE ABBEY OF WHERWELL, MADE IN 1002, WITH ADDITION OF 1008, DATED WESTMINSTER 26 OCTOBER 1259. WITNESSES: BONIFACE, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY; THE BISHOPS OF WORCESTER, LONDON AND SALISBURY; SIMON DE MONTFORT, EARL OF LEICESTER; RICHARD DE CLARE, EARL OF GLOUCESTER AND HERTFORD; HUMPHREY DE BOHUN, EARL OF HEREFORD AND ESSEX; JOHN DE PLESSETIS, EARL OF WARWICK, AND 5 OTHERS
MS in Latin and Anglo-Saxon on vellum, Westminster, England, 26 October 1259, 1 f., 56x42 cm, (49x37 cm), 50 long lines in English court documentary script, and Anglo-Saxon minuscule, 5 initials with penwork decoration, part of the Great Seal of Henry III in green wax with a plaited cord.
Binding: England, modern, half-morocco gilt folding case.
Provenance: 1. Benedictine Abbey of the Holy Cross, Wherwell, Andover, Hampshire ( 1259- ca. 1537); 2. Private Collection, Beverly Hills, California; 3. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: The original Ethelred charter is now lost, and the present MS is the earliest surviving record.
Published: The text was published in Dugdale: Monasticon Anglicarium, II, 1819, 636; J.M. Kemble: Codex Diplomaticus Aevi Saxonici III, London 1845, pp. 322-26, no. 707.
TESTAMENT OF MUÑO RAMIZ IN WHICH HE TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE MARIA PEREZ DONATES HIS PROPERTY OF S. PEDRO DE CANAVAL TO THE ABBOT GODERETUS AND THE MONASTERY OF S. PEDRO DE VALVERDE, MONFORTE IN GALICIA. EXECUTED IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN URRACA OF LEÓN AND GALICIA AND KING ALFONSO, MENTIONING COUNT RODRIGO OF LEMOS AND SARRIA, AND THE 5 BISHOPS OF GALICIA: DIEGO OF SANTIAGO, PEDRO OF LUGO, DIEGO OF ORENSE, ALFONSO OF TUY AND NUÑO OF MONDOÑEDO, WITH AUTOGRAPH SIGNATURE OF THE ABBOT GODERETUS
MS in Latin on vellum, Monforte, Galicia, 1115, 1 f., 20x60 cm, (11x59 cm), 14+1 long lines in Visigothic minuscule.
Provenance: 1. Monastery of S. Pedro de Valverde, Galicia (1115-); 2. H.P. Kraus, New York (-1962); 3. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/148 ( 1962-1987); 4. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: Visigothic minuscule used in a document is only known in Spanish archives and institutions, and hardly anywhere outside Spain.
Visigothic minuscule as book script, see MSS 73 and 190.
4.4.3. Carolingian documentary scripts
Carolingian documentary script
DEED OF GIFT BY GUISCLAMUNDUS, PRESBITER, PONCIO AND BERGONNA TO THE MONASTERY OF ST SEBASTIAN OF LAND IN THE VALLEY OF BUCURANENSE AND IN THE REGION OF CERDANIENSE. ISSUED UNDER THE NOTARIAL MARK OF THE PRESBITER GODMARES, WITH MARKS OF THE PRINCIPALS, GUISCLAMUNDUS, PONCIO AND BERGONNA, AND OF THE WITNESSES, BELASCO, BELUS AND ALAMIRUS, WRITTEN ON THE 7 KALENDS OF NOVEMBER (26 OCT.) IN THE 12TH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF LUTHARIO, SON OF LUDOVICO
MS in Latin on vellum, County of Cerdanya, Pyrenean Catalonia, 26 October 965, 1 f., 7x29 cm, (5x28 cm), 10 long lines in a littera minuscula carolina documentaria media (Carolingian documentary script of medium quality), opening decorated penwork initial extended down the length of the left-hand margin, witnesses sign by penwork marks, penwork notarial mark of the presbiter Godmares. Annotated on the dorse in a 17th c. hand, with notes on contents.
Provenance: 1. Notary Godmares, presbiter, the monastery of Sant Sebastià del Sull (965); 2. Swann Galleries, New York, 6.11.1986:30; 3. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/280 (1986-1989); 4. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: The regnal date refers to the West-Frankish king Lothar, son of Louis IV (reigned 954-986). The beneficiary is a monastery of Sant Sebastià in the 'valle Bucuranense' which is a 10th c. designation for the vicinity of Broça, in the southern part of the county of Cerdanya. It is the obscure (and long defunct) Sant Sebastià del Sull, in the valley of the river Saldes, just west of Bagà between the counties of Cerdanya and Berguedà. Information thanks to Nathaniel L. Taylor, Ph.D.
Published: Discussed briefly and cited
in: Manuel Riu, "El monestir de Sant Sebastià del Sull, al municipi de Saldes,
i la seva rotonda," Urgellia* 6 (1983), 245-84, p. 251.
Archiv für
Diplomatik, Schriftgeshichte Siegel- und Wappenkunde, 49 Band 2003, pp. 49-80;
Mark Mersiowsky: Katalanische Urkunden in privaten Sammlungen.
*Urgellia:
anuari d'estudis historics dels antics comtats de Cerdanya, Urgell i Pallars,
d'Andorra
DEED OF GIFT OF SUMS OF MONEY BY WILLELMI, AND WILLELMI AND IOVANNI, HIS BROTHERS, AND WIRLA AND FRUL, HIS SISTERS, TO THE ABBEY OF ST LAURENCE, IN MEMORY OF THEIR MOTHER; ALSO MENTIONING A HERMITAGE SOLD BY RANNOLF ASUMARIO. WITNESSES: DOMINUS AUDEGARII, ABBOT, REMUNDI SENIOFREDI DE RESUBIO, AMATI ULDRICI, MIRONI RENARDI, BERNARDI TERRECII, WILLELMI WILABERTI, WILABERTI OLIBANI AND WILLELMI DURANDI AND OTHERS; ISSUED UNDER THE NOTARIAL MARK OF THE SACRIST AND MONK BENEDICTUS, WITH THE MARKS OF WILLELMI, WILLELMI, IOVANNI, WIRLA AND FRUL AND OF THE WITNESSES, WADALL, MIRONI RENARDI, PERE WILLELM, WILLELM WIFRE; DATED 10 KALENDS OF JUNE IN THE 3RD YEAR OF THE REIGN OF KING PHILIP
MS in Latin on vellum, San Iuliani de Altura, Terrassa near
Barcelona, 23 May 1062, 1 f., 11x15-26 cm, (9x25 cm), 14 long lines in a
littera minuscula carolina documentaria currens (Current Carolingian
documentary script), the confirmation clause in an engrossed and more cursive
version of the script, by the monk Benedictus, opening decorated penwork
initial, penwork notarial mark. Annotated on the dorse in several later
medieval hands.
A copy, now at the library of the Abbey of Montserrat, of
this MS was made by J. A. de Plandolit in the late 19th c. The Plandolit
copies are ca. 50 charters of which most are now at the British Library,
except for four charters including this one. The British Library purchased 78
manuscripts from Sant Llorenç del Munt (11th to 13th c.) in 1920, now BL MSS
Add. Chart. 62604-62681
Context: The witnesses Dominus Audegari, abbot, and Remundi Seniofredi, are possibly the same individuals who sign another document dated 1039, which also has the word 'Monte' on the dorse and appears to relate to the same monastery of St Laurence.
Provenance: 1. Abbey of San Iuliani de Altura, Terrassa near Barcelona (1062); 2. Abbey of San Laurenzio, Spain (1062); 3. Archive of San Llorenc del Munt, near Barcelona (until 19th c.); 4. Sold in Barcelona (19th c.); 5. E. Fisher (1920); 6. Swann Galleries, New York 6.11.1986:33; 7. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/281 (1986-1989); 8. Quaritch, London.
Commentary: King Philip, possibly to be identified with the Capetian
king Philip I, King of France 1060-1108. Audegarius may have been abbot of San
Iuliani de Altura.
The annotations on the dorse mention the place-names of
Terraca and Monte.
The place (now a suburb) is still known by
its old name, Sant Julià d'Altura, now just 3 km NE of Terrassa, itself 15 km
N of Barcelona. The monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt is just 8 km N of
Terrassa. Formally founded as an independent Benedictine house only in the mid
11th c., it soon fell under the domination of the important house farther
south, Sant Cugat del Valles, and declined and was dissolved in the 16th c.
The most prominent person in the charter is Amat Eldric (or Uldric), seneschal
for Count Ramon Berenguer I of Barcelona, and prominent in the region North
and West of the city in the 1040s-1060s.
Information thanks to Nathaniel
L. Taylor, Ph.D.
Published: Pere Puig i Ustrell. El monestir de Sant Llorenç del Munt
sobre Terrassa: Diplomatari dels segles X XI, no 410, vol 3, pp. 1189-90.
Barcelona, Fundaciò Noguera, 1995. 3 vols. This MS was known to the editor
only through the Plandolit copies.
Archiv für Diplomatik, Schriftgeshichte
Siegel- und Wappenkunde, 49 Band 2003, pp. 49-80; Mark Mersiowsky:
Katalanische Urkunden in privaten Sammlungen.
Carolingian papal documentary script
CONFIRMATION BY POPE JOHANNES XIX OF THE PRIVILEGES OF BENEDETTO, ABBOT OF SANTA MARIA DE ORGANO, VERONA, AND HIS SUCCESSORS, INCLUDING THE TENURE OF THE DEPENDENT CHURCHES OF SANTA MARIA, SANTA MARGARETA, SANTA MARIA SOLARIO, SANTA MARIA IN SICIANO, THE ABBEY OF SAN LAURENTI IN SICIANO, AND THE CHURCH OF SS FAUSTINUS AND IOVITE
MS in Latin on vellum, Vatican, 13 September 1024, 1 f., 29x53 cm, (19x53 cm), 13 long lines in a littera documentaria Pontificalis (Papal documentary script), with decorative elaboration of ascenders and descenders, marks of abbreviation, and initial letters, opening line in the elaborate calligraphic form. Annotated on the dorse, in Rustic capitals, and in a 14th c. hand in a littera semigothica cursiva.
Context: Early Italian documents from the archives of the abbey of Santa Maria de Organo in Verona are MS 590/01-02.
Provenance: 1. The Papal Chancery, Vatican (1024); 2. Archives of the Abbey of Santa Maria de Organo, Verona (1024-); 3. Italian dealer (1964); 4. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/170 (1964-1989); 5. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: This is an important, early example of an instrument issued by the Papal Chancery, and provides a fine example of the calligraphic script developed within the Papal Chancery.
The MS is issued in the year of the election of the new pope, Johannes XIX (pope 1024-1033). It mentions the particular depredations suffered by the abbey and assures the abbot of the Pope's support and prayers.
The MS has never been sealed. The present MS seems to be a copy made in the Papal Chancery at the time of the issuing of the original document.
4.4.4. Romanesque documentary scripts
FINAL CONCORD BETWEEN ROGER, MARGERY AND MILO DE BRAY, AND THE AUGUSTINIAN PRIORY OF HALIWELL AND MAGDALENA THE PRIORESS, GIVING HALF A VIRGATE OF LAND AT DUNTON, BEDFORDSHIRE. WITNESSES: ROGER BERNARD ABBOT OF WALTHAM, WALTER DE STANFORD, ROGER GISNEI, NEIL MALERBE, HUGO RIXPAUD
MS in Latin on vellum, Haliwell Priory, Middlesex, ca. 1181-1188, 1 f., 13x14 cm (10x14 cm), 16 long lines in a fine Romanesque documentary script. 2 seals in red wax, one round, diam. 5 cm, of Roger de Bray riding his horse, the other of mandorla form, 6x4 cm, showing his wife, Margery standing.
Binding: Barking, Essex, 1995, red cloth gilt folding case, by Aquarius.
Provenance: 1. Augustinian Priory of Haliwell, Middlesex (Ca. 1188-); 2. Quaritch cat. 1056(1985):101; 3. Private Collector, England (1985-1992); 4. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: English Romanesque charters with large seals intact are possibly only to be found in public collections and archives. The first document recording this agreement is British Library, Harley Charters 83. A 47, dated 1181-88.
CONFIRMATION THAT THE ESTATE OF TRIANOS AND VILLANEUVA HAD BEEN GRANTED BY ALFONSO VIII OF CONFIRMATION BY ALFONSO VIII OF CASTILLE, AND OF HIS WIFE ALIONORA AND THEIR SON, FERDINAND, OF THE GIFT TO THE MONASTERY OF ST FACUNDUS AT SAHAGUN OF LANDS IN ROYAL POSSESSION AT TRIANOS, VILLANOVA AND SAN IUSTO, FORMERLY GRANTED TO DON STEPHANO? TELLO. ISSUED UNDER THE NOTARIAL MARK OF THE ROYAL CLERK MICHAEL, WITH 44 WITNESSES
MS in Latin on vellum, Toledo, Spain, 5 March 1195, 1 f., 43x43 cm, single column and 4 columns (witnesses), (38x41 cm), 33 long lines in a littera minuscula protogothica documentaria formata (formal Romanesque documentary script) by the royal clerk Michael, elaborated ascenders in top line, 6-line decorated opening initial, notarial mark. Annotated on dorse in Spanish.
Provenance: 1. Alfonso VIII of Castille, Toledo (1195); 2. Benedictine monastery of St Facundus, Sahagun, Spain (1195); 3. Dolphin Book Company, Oxford (1960); 4. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/108 (1960-1989); 5. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: This is a fine, large and early example of a Royal document issued from the Castilian court at Toledo. The Benedictine monastery of St Facundus at Sahagun, between Burgos and Leon, was one of the greatest monastic foundations in medieval Spain and the retiring place of the kings of Leon. It was founded by Alfonso II in 907, extensively endowed by members of the royal family and subsequently rebuilt in 1213. The monastery is now largely in ruins.
St. Facundus was born at Leon and beheaded, ca. 300, by the River Cea, where the Benedictine abbey of Sahagun was later built in commemoration.
The document MS is witnessed by Didaco Lupi, Chancellor; Petro Rodicerus, Keeper of the King's household; Aldefonso Telli; Fernando Garlie; the prior of the abbey of St Facundus; Aldericus, Bishop of Palentinus; Mantico, Bishop of Legionensis; Gutterio Sancii, Gutterio Petri, Domenico Manga, Guillelmo Claver and Domenico Facundus, all of the abbey of St Facundus. It was witnessed in the presence of Munio Gondissalius and his son; Petrus Munionis; Petrus Fernandi; Gomez Martini; Rodericus Sancii; Magister Petrus Alberti; Magister Michael; Don Gomez, chaplain of Sancti Tirsi; Magister Antoninus; Peter, abbot of the Royal Chapel; Don Iohanni, chaplain of St Peter; Don Michael, chaplain of St James; Petrus Bonus, chaplain of the Holy Trinity; Don Isidorus Sancti Martini; Don Paulus, chaplain of St Laurence; Don Petrus, abbot; Guillelmus Aldouarth; Don Bazolin; Guillelmus Durendi Aleaiath; Martinus Decors; Petrus Narrz; Stephen Maior; Don Facundus, son of Peter the abbot; Didacus de Castroterra; Rodericus Arabeza Alcaath; Fernandus Petri, his brother; Nicholaus, son of Don Bazolin; Bernaldus de Luzeche; Garsias Petri; Don Bartolomeus; Egidius Naccarius; Don Romio; Petrus Pelagii Eldiegano; Don Dominicus, a relation; Don Petrus, son of Cavallarii Albi; Garsias de Parales; Facundus Caluus; Petrus Facundi, his son; Michael Piscator; Don Facundus, his relation; Don Silvester.
The Monastery of Trianos was founded and endowed by the original individual holder of the estate, Don Tello Perez, but Alfonso VIII had previously given the estate to the residents of Sahagun, who hereby acknowledge that Don Tello became the rightful owner.
CHARTER BY WHICH EGBERT OF HOLLAND, ARCHBISHOP OF TRIER, GRANTS TO THE ABBEY OF ST. MARY AD MARTYRES IN TRIER, THE CHURCH AND LANDS IN CONTREVE (GONDORF) AND LANDS IN COVERNE (COBERN, NEAR COBLENZ), MADE AT THE DEDICATION OF THE CRYPT OF THE MONASTERY WHEN THE ARCHBISHOP CONSECRATED IT IN HONOUR OF SAINTS CLEMENT AND GENGULPH AND CONFIRMED IN WRITING AT THE ALTAR, DATED 980
MS in Latin on vellum, Trier, Germany, mid 12th c., 1 f., 26x32 cm, (25x32 cm), 20 long lines in a large Romanesque documentary script, first 6 words in tall compressed capitals.
Provenance: 1. Benedictine Abbey of St. Mary ad Martyres, Trier (from 12th c.); 2. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: An unusual Romanesque forgery of a Carolingian grant of property, maybe intended simply to increase the prestige of the Abbey, or the document had to be copied since the original was worn or lost.
The text is printed in H. Beyer: Urkundenbuch zur Geschichte der jetzt die preussischen Regierungsbezirke Coblenz und Trier, I, 1860, 310.
4.4.5. Gothic, Court and secretary documentary scripts
ROYAL LETTERS PATENT OF KING JOHN, GRANTING TO BEAULIEU ABBEY, HAMPSHIRE, THE SERVICE OF ROGER DE KYNILLY, BURGESS OF BRISTOL, WITH ALL THE LANDS WHICH ROGER HOLDS FROM THE KING IN BRISTOL. WITNESSES INCLUDING: WILLIAM OF SAINTE-MèRE-EGLISE, BISHOP OF LONDON; PETER DES ROCHES, BISHOP OF WINCHESTER; JOSCELIN OF WELLS, BISHOP OF BATH AND GLASTONBURY; WILLIAM DE CANTILUPE, STEWARD OF THE HOUSEHOLD
MS in Latin on vellum, Guilford, England, 17 January 1215, 1 f., 19x21 cm, (14x19 cm), 13 long lines in a fine English court documentary script, flourished capitals, by Richard Marsh, Chancellor of England, with the Great Seal of England in dark green wax.
Binding: England, 1960-es, green quarter morocco gilt folding case.
Provenance: 1. Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary, Beaulieu, Hampshire (1215-ca. 1539); 2. Edward Michell, Monkton House near Chippenham, Wiltshire; 3. Edward Michell's mother; 4. Philip Bliss, Oxford (1787-1857); 5. Sotheby's 21.8.1858:95; 6. Sir Thomas Phillipps, Cheltenham, Ph 18143 (1858-1872); 7. Katharine, John, Thomas & Alan Fenwick, Cheltenham, (1872-1946); 8. Sotheby's 11.11.1946:136; 9. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: Written only a few months before the completion of Magna Carta. Here the Great Seal of England is present, while it is missing on the 4 copies of the original Magna Carta.
Exhibited: University of Oslo. Library of Law Faculty: Opening exhibition of Domus Bibliotheca, 5-27 May 1994.
INSPEXIMUS BY ANTHONY BEK BISHOP OF DURHAM, WILLIAM LOUTH BISHOP OF ELY, AND WALTER LANGTON BISHOP OF COVENTRY AND LICHFIELD, OF THE LETTERS OF EDWARD I DATED 7 JANUARY 1297 ANNOUNCING THE CONCLUSION OF A TREATY OF MILITARY ALLIANCE AGAINST KING PHILIP OF FRANCE, BETWEEN HIMSELF AND GUY COUNT OF FLANDERS, DATED WASINGHAM 6 FEBRUARY 1297
MS in French and Latin on vellum, Wasingham, England, 6 February 1297, 1 f., 36x51 cm, (30x47 cm), 45 long lines in a rounded court documentary script, ascenders on the first line, decorated opening initial, red wax seal of the bishop of Durham, thong of 1 more seal.
Binding: England, 1946-1971, display box.
Provenance: 1. Sir Thomas Phillipps, Cheltenham, Ph 27718 (-1872); 2. Katharine, John, Thomas & Alan Fenwick, Cheltenham, (1872-1946); 3. Robinson Bros., London (1946-1977); 4. Sotheby's 14.6.1971:1417; 5. Hoffman & Freeman (1971-1974); 6. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/234 (1974-1989); 7. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: Armed with this treaty of alliance between England and Flanders, the 3 bishops were at the date of this inspeximus on their way to the French king to negotiate a truce between the allies and France. The negotiation failed, as was intended, and Edward led an expedition to Flanders in August 1297.
The treaty is printed in Rymer, Foedera, I, 1816, 850, but the inspeximus seems to be unrecorded.
DEED IN WHICH SIMON DE GANDAVO, BISHOP OF SALISBURY, ALLOWS THE APPROPRIATION OF LAYCOCK CHURCH BY THE ABBEY, AT THE REQUEST OF SIR JOHN BLUT. MASSES AND ANNIVERSARIES WERE TO BE CELEBRATED IN THE CHAPEL IN THE CONVENTUAL CHURCH FOUNDED BY SIR JOHN AND MARGERY, HIS LATE WIFE; 1/2 D WOULD BE GIVEN EACH YEAR ON HIS ANNIVERSARY TO 1000 POOR PEOPLE, 1 WOMAN WOULD BE ADMITTED EACH YEAR INTO THE COMMUNITY AT THE NOMINATION OF SIR JOHN AND HIS HEIRS. ENDORSEMENT BY R. DE TOPPECHYME, PUBLIC NOTARY
MS in Latin on vellum, Lacock, Wiltshire, England, 6 March 1311, 1 f., 22x35 cm, (16x29 cm), 24 long lines in a fine English court documentary script, decorated opening letter, 3 seals of mandorla form, 6.6x3,5 cm, 5,8x3,2 cm and 6,5x4,5 cm, of the Bishop of Salisbury (green wax), the Abbess, and the Convent (brown wax).
Provenance: 1. Augustinian Abbey of St. Mary, Lacock, Wiltshire (1311-); 2. Sir Thomas Phillipps, Cheltenham, Ph 32677 (-1872); 3. Katharine, John, Thomas and Alan Fenwick, Cheltenham (1872-1946); 4. Robinson Bros, London (1946-1981); 5. Sotheby's 13.4.1981:105g; 6. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: Lacock Abbey, a house of Augustinian canonesses, was founded in 1229 by Ela, heiress of William, Earl of Salisbury, and wife of William Longspée. The Bluet or Blut family of Lackham were notable benefactors.
OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF A MIRACLE WHICH OCCURRED IN THE VILLAGE OF WATERLERE, DIOCESE OF HALBERSTADT IN 1221, MENTIONING HERMIGARDIS AND CONRADUS DE ARNESTEM, A SAINT PROBABLY BELONGING TO THE CISTERCIAN ORDER, THE INDULGENCES CONNECTED WITH VISITS TO, OR DONATIONS TO, THE LOCAL MONASTERY, REFERRING TO THE CISTERCIAN ORDER AND THE ORDER OF THE TEUTONIC KNIGHTS
MS in Latin on vellum, Waterlere, Germany, 1332, 1 f., 51x36 cm, (42x31 cm), 63+4 long lines in a fine Gothic documentary script, important words in red, initials touched with red, a 3- line and a 4-line flourished initial in red.
Provenance: 1. Jacques Rosenthal (Hans Koch), München (1965); 2. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/182 (1965-1989); 3. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
SALE OF A TARTAR FEMALE SLAVE NAMED MAGDALENA, AGED ABOUT 30. WITNESSED BY GABRIEL DE FOREST NOTARIO AND BERNARDUS VENDRELLI. SIGNED BY NOTARIUS RAMON DE FOREST
MS in Latin on vellum, Barcelona, Spain, 7 June 1401, 1 f., 31x43 cm, (24x38 cm), 31 long lines in Gothic documentary script, notarial mark twice. Annotated on reverse.
Provenance: 1. Dolphin, Oxford (1960); 2. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco, I/103 (1960-1989); 3. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
Commentary: This MS is attesting to the continuation of the practice of domestic slavery.
Secretary documentary cursive script
CHARTER OF ROBERT STEWART, DUKE OF ALBANY, EARL OF FIFE AND MENTEITH, GOVERNOR OF THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, GRANTING TO WILLIAM DE CRAWFURDE DE MANUEL, KNIGHT, ALL THE LANDS OF "ERTHCHAMBERLAYNE" IN THE SHIRE OF STERLING, WHICH WILLIAM DE CRAWFURDE HELD HEREDITARILY. WITNESSES: GILBERT, BISHOP OF ABERDEEN AND CHANCELLOR OF SCOTLAND; MURDACH STEWART, 2nd DUKE OF ALBANY; JOHN STEWART, EARL OF BUCHAN; WILLIAM DE BORTHWIK; ROBERT DE MAXWELL; JOHN FORSTAVE; AND ANDREW DE HAWIKE, SECRETARY
MS in Latin with legal terms in Anglo-Saxon, proper names and endorsement in Middle Scots, on vellum, Falkland, Scotland, 24 April 1417, 1 f., 21x33 cm, (13x26 cm), 20 long lines in a Scottish secretary documentary script, large initial with penwork infill, Great Seal of Scotland in white wax, diam. 10 cm, showing the Governor Robert duke of Albany, seated, with a mounted knight in armour on the other side.
Binding: Barking, Essex, 1995, red cloth gilt folding case, by Aquarius.
Provenance: 1. Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, Scotland (1417-); 2. Jeremy Griffiths, Oxford.
Commentary: The charter includes the Anglo-Saxon terms
"Outfangandthief" and "Infangandthief", which is quite remarkable for a
Scottish document. The terms refer to the jurisdiction over thieves both
within and without the lands being granted.
The seal is showing the
Governor in the place of King, James I, who, at this time was still a prisoner
of the English, and was not crowned until his release in 1424. Both charter
and seal are unrecorded.
Several witnesses of interest: Robert's eldest son Murdach spent many years in prison in England after being captured at the Battle of Homildon in 1402. He was executed before Stirling Castle on 25th May 1425 on a charge of high treason. Robert's other son, John Stewart, is famous for leading 6000 Scots to France and defeating the English at the Battle of Beauge, and was made Constable of France. He later raised another force of 10.000 men, but was defeated with great slaughter by the English on the 17th August 1424 at the battle of Verneuil.
DOCUMENT WHERE MATTHIAS CORVINUS, KING OF HUNGARY AND DALMATIA, CONFIRMS THE OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF STEPHANUS DE BAIJON, ACCORDING TO THE JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT JUDGE, GRAF LADISLAUS DE PALOCZ
MS in Latin on vellum, Buda, Hungary, 25 April 1464, 1 f., 27x53 cm, (16x40 cm), 24 long lines in Hungarian secretary documentary cursive script, first line with calligraphic ornamentation, with the Great Royal seal of Hungary in red wax, diam. 7 cm.
Provenance: 1. Hartung & Hartung, München, Auktion 63, 13.11.1990:84.
Commentary: An exceptionally rare document, issued by Hungary's celebrated renaissance king, Matthias Corvinus.
INSTRUCTION BY ADAM BOTHWELL, BISHOP OF ORKNEY AND SHETLAND, TO THE PROVOST AND CANONS OF THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. MAGNUS, ORKNEY, TO INSTALL MASTER FRANCIS BOTHWELL IN THE CHAPLAINCY OF ST. LAWRENCE (VACATED BY THE DEATH OF JOHN MAXWELL) WHICH WAS IN THE BISHOP'S GIFT
MS in Latin on vellum, Kirkwall, Orkney, 3 April 1565, 1 f., 18x45 cm, (10x38 cm), 15 long lines in a cursive secretary documentary script, flourished initial, notarial manual, episcopal seal in red wax of Adam Bothwell, diam. 6 cm, showing St. Magnus within arches of the Cathedral.
Binding: Barking, Essex, 1993, red cloth gilt folding case, 73x53 cm, by Aquarius.
Provenance: 1. Cathedral of St. Magnus, Kirkwall, Orkney (1565); 2. June O'Donnell (-1979); 3. Alan Thomas, London (ca. 1979-1992); 4. Shirley Thomas, London (1992-1993); 5. Sotheby's 21.6.1993:11(18).
Commentary: Adam Bothwell was bishop of Orkney and Shetland 1559-93. He performed the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots to Bothwell, and christened James VI.
Magnus was co-earl of the Orkneys with Håkon Pålssøn. On 16 April 1115 he was killed by his cousin, Håkon, King of Norway. Magnus was subsequently venerated as a martyr. His sister-son, Earl Ragnvald, started the building of the Cathedral to his honour in 1137. Besides the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the Magnus Cathedral is the most substantial Norwegian building preserved from the Middle Ages.
Any document from the Orkneys are of the greatest rarity. MSS 1676/1-2 are the only ones in a private collection.
4.4.6. Italian chancery, rounded and humanistic documentary scripts
Italian rounded documentary script
MASCHARINUS DE GUAITA SANCTE EUPHROXINAE EX COMMISSIONE JUDICIS CONSULIS, DAT DOMINO BARTHOLOMAEO DE SPULVERINO TENUTAM DE BONIS MOBILIBUS ET IMMOBILIBUS, QUAE FUERANT DOMINI BONIFACI ET NUNC DOMINI NICOLAI DE TURISENDIS. NOTARIUS LEONARDUS DE DAVID DOMINI FRANCISCI. 30 OCTOBER 1274, ACTUM VERONAE, IN GUAITA SANCTI BENEDICTI ET 1 NOVEMBER 1274, ACTUM VERONAE, IN DICTA GUAITA
MS in Latin on vellum, Verona, Italy, October-November 1274, 1 f., 40x11 cm, (38x10 cm), 62 long lines in Italian rounded documentary script, notarial mark, 4 lines in Italian added later on reverse.
Context: From the complete archive of 918 documents from 1274 - ca. 1600, that belonged to the Colloredo family in Friuli and Udine in North-East Italy, and its collateral branches, e.g. Mansfeld, Mels and Waldsee in Austria and Slovenia.
Provenance: 1. Colloredo-Mansfeld family, Friuli and Udine (1274-1974); 2. Bernard Rosenthal, San Francisco (1974-1989).
Commentary: Many members of the Colloredo Mansfeld family were involved in politics, literature, the military and European diplomacy.
The documents in MSS 568 and 569 are confined to various areas of the Veneto, particularly Friuli, province of Udine and Pordenone, which is one of the areas of Italy which has consistently defended and maintained is cultural, folkloristic and linguistic traditions, as well as its religious and legal institutions. In the present MSS traces of the local dialects, derived form Ladino roots, are frequently found, particularly in personal and geographical names, in the names of weights and measures.
Traces of legal institutions typical of the ancient Lombard culture are found in the present documents: Masnada, the men and women of "masnada" were virtually slaves and could be sold, traded or given as gifts (MSS 568/ 07, /82, /84, /105). Morgingagrius, a sort of dowry given by the husband to his new bride (MSS 568/118, /131, /227). Montadura (MS 568/131).
The Castello di Colloredo, near Udine, built in 1305, was destroyed in the great Friuli earthquake of 1976. If the present archive still had been housed there, it would have been destroyed as well.
PAPAL BULL OF JOHANNES XXII AUTHORISING THE BENEDICTINE CONVENT OF MOUSTIERS-VILLIERS TO INCORPORATE THE PARISH CHURCH OF ROUELLES, MENTIONING CARDINAL MICHEL DU BEC-CRESPIN
MS in Latin on vellum, Avignon, 24 June 1321, 1 f., 44x56 cm, (26x47 cm), 20 long lines in papal chancery script, decorated opening initial, ascenders on letters on first line, lead seal in yellow and red cords, 13 lines annotations in upper margin.
Provenance: 1. Papal Chancery, Avignon (1321; 2. l'Art Ancien, Zürich (1960); 3. Bernard Rosenthal Collection, San Francisco (1960-1989); 4. Bernard Quaritch Ltd., London.
DECREE OF FRANCESCO GONZAGA 4TH MARQUIS OF MANTUA TO CRISTOFORO POGGI OF BOLOGNA GRANTING HIM CONCESSIONS AND EXEMPTIONS IN RESPECT OF HIS VILLA, CORTE VILLAGROSSA IN RONCAFERRARO. SIGNED BY THE CHANCELLOR ANTIMACHUS
MS in Latin on vellum, Italy, Mantua, 25 October 1490, 1 f., 44x56 cm, (20x43 cm), 24 long lines in an upright humanistic book script, by Sigismondo Golfo(?), the secretary of the Marquis of Mantua, and subscribed by him, first line in very large capitals in burnished gold, large illuminated initial F, 12x6 cm, with white-vine interlace against a ground of blue, pink and green, 2 roundels in colour, one with the Gonzaga device of a muzzle with a scroll across with the inscription "Bider Kraft" (rightous strength).
Context: The chancery copy of the decree is likely to be still in the Mantuan archives, most probably in the "Copialettere in busta 2903, f II 9/133, 134 or 135".
Provenance: 1. Christoforo Poggi, Bologna (from 1490); 2. Rizzo, Milano (until 1989); 3. Sam Fogg Rare Books Ltd., London.
Commentary: Christoforo Poggi was secretary to Giovanni Bentivoglio, lord of Bologna. Both Poggi and Golfo were humanist writers. Golfo instructed and provided books for Francesco Gonzaga's wife, the great Renaissance patron and collector, Isabella d'Este. Poggi was also a humanist writer, which may account for the unusual richness in the decoration of the decree, probably painted by one of the illuminators who decorated books prepared for Isabella d'Este and Francesco Gonzaga.
DEGREE DIPLOMA FOR A DOCTORATE OF LAW IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ROMA UPON JOHANNES DE NARDIS OF AQUILA. SIGN MANUAL OF CURTIUS SARCUIUS DE SANCTIS, NOTARIUS, JOHANNES BAPTISTA DE RUBEIS AND MARIO GABRIELLO
MS in Latin on vellum, Roma, Italy, 26 April 1568, 1 f., 49x70 cm, (30x54 cm), 29 long lines in a formal humanistic documentary script, first line in large gold capitals with blue floral decorations, initials and proper names in decorated blue and gold capitals, stamped notarial mark, metal seal case.
Context: 2 more degree diplomas from the University of Roma, MSS 260/67-68.
Provenance: 1. University of Roma (1568); 2. Johannes de Nardis of Aquila (from 1568); 3. Sotheby's 20.6.1989:30.