Guide to the Clifford Collection of manuscripts mainly relating to Roman Catholicism

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MS 1097

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Created: January 2015

Collection Summary

Title
Clifford collection of manuscripts relating to Roman Catholicism
Date Range
ca. 1250-1915
Collection Number
MS 1097
Extent
3.6 metres (72 volumes + 1 archives box)
Language of Materials
English
The language of items 1-9 and 65 is Latin. Later items are mostly in English, with some in German and French also.
Repository
Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Sponsor
The digitisation of the Library's holdings of medieval manuscripts was made possible by the generous financial support of donors to the Medieval Manuscripts Appeal (2014). The Library gratefully acknowledges this support.

Introduction

Scope and Contents

The Clifford collection of manuscripts comprises 75 English and European manuscripts, including nine medieval volumes and one of three extant 14th century Chertsey Abbey cartularies, books owned by Cardinal Weld and writings about the Catholic religion. There is also a file of correspondence of Charles Clifford, 6th Baron Clifford, dating from 1812-1825.

The later manuscripts, written in several languages, were collected by members of the Clifford Family and there are also a few papers documenting some of their activities in the 19th century.

Conditions Governing Access

Available for research.

Provenance

The collection was purchased by the National Library of Australia from the estate of the 11th Baron Clifford in November 1963. It reached Canberra in April 1964. The Chertsey Cartulary (item 65), possibly the most important medieval manuscript held in Australia due to the fact that it is one of only three extant from the 14th century and the only one held outside the UK, was received in 1975, following the granting of an export licence by the British Government.

Existence and Location of Copies

Items 1-9 and item 65 have been digitised and a link to the images is included in this guide, following the description of relevant item.

The following items have been microfilmed: 13, 15, 17, 30, 40, 41, 42, 72 and 73 (reels G7676-7683). There is also a microfilm of the Chertsey Cartulary (reel G24143). The reels can be used in the Newspaper and Family History Zone or borrowed on interlibrary loan.

The Clifford collection of manuscripts was acquired as part of a much larger collection of books and papers accumulated by the Clifford Family. The 10,000 books and 1500 pamphlets that form the greater part of the collection are held as a distinct collection within the Library's Rare Book Collection. Each work is individually catalogued and the call numbers have the prefix RB CLI.

The great richness of the collection is in printed works from the sixteenth century onwards, with possibly the greatest strength in the seventeenth century, although the eighteenth century is also strong. 740 titles from the collection are listed in Short title catalogue of books printed in the British Isles, the British colonies and the United States of America and of English books printed elsewhere, 1701-1800, held in the libraries of the Australian Capital Territory edited by William J. Cameron, and Diana J. Carroll (1966). These works relate especially to the political, legal, economic and ecclesiastical sectors of English history. The ecclesiastical and devotional works reflect the place of the Cliffords as one of the great Catholic families in England and include a substantial amount of French writing. In all fields, however, the feature of the collection is its diversity and the rarity of many of the works. The literary works include some early editions of note, both of famous names and of lesser figures.

Arrangement

Material in this collection has been arranged into 76 items. Material in each item ranges from single volumes to groups of papers on a particular subject. They have been listed for the most part in chronological order.

Other Finding Aids

The catalogue of Lord Clifford's Library, written in various hands in the late 19th century and with a note at the end by the 9th Lord Clifford, is not held in the Manuscript Section. It is instead shelved in the Rare Books Collection as part of the Clifford Collection .

Sources for item descriptions

Descriptions of medieval manuscript items are derived from the following sources:

Sinclair: K.V. Sinclair. Descriptive catalogue of medieval and Renaissance Western manuscripts in Australia, Sydney, Sydney University Press, 1969

Manion & Vines: Margaret M. Manion and Vera F. Vines. Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts in Australian collections, Melbourne, Thames and Hudson, 1984

UK Emerita Professor Michelle Brown, who was engaged as an expert consultant by the National Library in 2013 and 2015. Professor Brown held a chair in Medieval Manuscript Studies at the University of London and was formerly Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library.

Historical Note

In the late 16th century Anthony Clifford of Borscombe, Wiltshire, married Anne, the daughter and co-heir of Sir Peter Courtenay of Ugbrooke, Chudleigh, Devon. Their son Thomas Clifford (d.1634) inherited Ugbrooke. His grandson, Sir Thomas Clifford (1630-1673) held a number of positions under Charles II and was created 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh in 1672. He was Lord High Treasurer in 1672-73 but, being a Roman Catholic, was forced to resign by the Test Act.

Until 1829 the Cliffords were debarred by their religion from holding public office, and instead concentrated on the management of their estates and assembling a major collection of books, manuscripts and art works. Some members of the family, such as Charles Clifford (1759-1831), the 6th Baron, were notable antiquarians.

The Cliffords were related to a number of the leading Catholic families in England. Lucy Clifford, the daughter of the 3rd Baron, married Thomas Weld who, after her death, entered the Catholic Church and became a Cardinal in 1830. Their daughter, Mary Weld, married Hugh Clifford (1790-1858), the 7th Baron. William Clifford (1823-1893), the brother of the 8th Baron, was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clifton. Sir Hugh Clifford (1866-1941), the nephew of the 8th Baron, held a number of posts in the Colonial Service, including Governor of Ceylon, Governor of Nigeria and Governor of the Straits Settlements. Sir Bede Clifford (1890-1969), a son of the 10th Baron, was Private Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia in 1918-20 and later held a number of vice-regal appointments.

The 12th Baron was married to an Australian, Mary Knox, the daughter of Sir Adrian Knox, the Chief Justice of Australia.

Item Descriptions

Latin Bible, France, 13th Century (Item 1)

Description: i-ii, 307, iii-iv leaves (vellum); faults in leaves 56, 90, 103, 132, 163, 239, 263, which are original faults of vellum skin; 164 x 112 mm.

Script: Gothic textualis rotunda; the hand that adds the manesses prayer and many of the marginal entries is near contemporary and shows palaeographical signs of being English c1300 (some loops and slight bifurcation to heads of ascenders, from anglicana script).

Decoration: F.1r has Genesis decorated with a vertical column enclosing tendrils of green and lilac on an alternate blue or gold ground, headed by a grotesque reptile; rubricated in red and blue throughout; very fine marginal flourishes (eg f.28v, 36v, 47r, and 57r) and line endings in red and blue; puzzle initials; first initials with zoomorphic decoration.

Layout: Double columns; 51 lines to the page; numerous marginal annotations; fold-out at foot of f.256r and f.274r to accommodate footnotes; running book titles and numbers alternating in red and blue; line rulings and prickings.

Binding: 17th century red morocco binding of decorative gilt corner-pieces enclosing in the centre an anchor within a frame of coiled hands, and within the points of the anchor the initials 'W.C.' (William Clifford?); remains of green silk ties.

Provenance: Inside front cover has Clifford family bookplate, motto 'Semper Paratus' (always ready) and two wyverns; the letter 'C' surmounted by a coronet in the lower margin of f.1r is the monogram of the Clifford family. Cover has a stamped monogram of a coiled rope with an anchor bearing the initials W.C.

Notes: Parisian study bible

Reference: Sinclair: No.3 pp.11-13; Manion & Vines: No.68 pp.169-70

Latin Book of Hours (some Middle English), England, 15th century (Item 2)

Description: i-iv, 166, v-vi leaves (vellum); 140 x 95 mm.; f.89v-f.92v and f.148v are blank.

Script: 16th century hand writing prayer in French on f.89r has anglicana features and is English, perhaps by the Ioannes, whose name occurs several times (see provenance note below)

Decoration: The first leaf after the calendar is decorated with a capital "D" in red and blue enclosing a strawberry mounted in a cup of green, blue and red leaves on a gold ground. The margin of the page is filled with a border of flower scrolls; similar capitals and decoration on pages f.21r, f.34v, f.38v, f.41r, f.43r, f.45v, f.48v, f.53v, f.93v and f.149v; numerous minor capitals in red and blue and gold, and capitals beginning most sentences illuminated and decorated. Some rubrics are written in English with line fillings in red, blue and gold. The stylised strawberry that occurs in initials is a symbol of the Virgin, of purity and of pure souls in heaven. Indicates London work.

Layout: One column; calendar of 12 leaves (f.1r-12v); 17 lines to the page.

Binding: Contained in a rare and interesting early English tooled binding of the mid-15th century; front depicts chained swans and chained stags (stags - symbol of Richard II) within blind-ruled borders; back depicts George slaying a dragon and the initials I.H.C. (monogram for 'Christ') set within crown of thorns; chained element could indicate Royalty; remains of the clasp which looks original and fastens from top to bottom board in English fashion; strap may be modern; the spine covering is missing.

Provenance: Front flyleaf ii (recto) annotated 'Liber Io…'; front flyleaf iii (recto) annotated 'Iste domini Symoni…', c.1500; front flyleaf iv (recto) has an ex libris of 'Ioannem', c1500; end flyleaf vii (recto) has some remaining evidence of ownership. Both Sinclair (p15) and Manion and Vines (p112) make note of the following detail 'Liber John Vernelli is written in a 16c hand on f.165r; f.166r has Liber Johannis with surname effaced'. While there does appear to be a name effaced at the top of f.165r, it is not decipherable. On f.166r there is no writing visible, but it does appear that there is an erasure.

Calendar: Essentially an abbreviated adapted Sarum calendar, but some entries are unusual and indicate that saints from Sarum rite were selected to suit local purpose. There is a strong southwest (Sherborne or Glastonbury) focus. The following saints are included: Bathilda/Balthild (indicates southwest England, Sherborne?); Brigid; Gilbert (added later); dedication of the Cathedral of St Peter; Cedd (missionary from Lindisfarne and associated with Bishoprics in Yorkshire and Essex); Erkenwald, London – patron saint of eyesight – associated with St Paul's (added later); David; Cuthbert; Bishop Richard; Kenelm; Oswald; Swithin; Medard; Gildard; Boniface (SW); Aldhelm (SW); Dunstan; Edith; Cuthburger; Winifred; Thomas (intact); Pope Stephen (intact)Notes: Thomas Becket not erased from calendar so this is a recusant book or out of UK after 1539; Sarum usage.

Reference: Sinclair: No.4 pp. 15-18; Manion & Vines: No.68 pp.112-13

Latin Bible, and Remigius, Interpretationes Nomium Hebraicorum, 13th century (Item 3)

Description: 479, i leaves (vellum); 155 x 105 mm.

Script: Either French littera gothica textualis or Gothic textualis rotunda. Corrected by an English hand with anglicana features c1300 (eg on f.175r)

Decoration: Capitals with fine marginal flourishes in red and blue ink and similarly flourished in-fillings of some capitals; red rubrics.

Layout: Double columns; 50 lines to the page; at f.23r part of Exodus had been misbound with a gathering of Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Binding: Bound in an early English calf binding with blind-tooled frame enclosing a stamped centre ornament; includes a fragment of a 12th century biblical book; heading at top of many pages appears to have been cut off and some indication bottom pages cut off too - indication of rebinding?

Provenance: 1. A 17th-century English hand has written 'This is John [Peg? Peter?] this boke' on several folios (175r, 221r, 274r, 278v, 341v, 352r and 388v). 2. Annotated 'Sainthill' in 17th Century on f.216r. 3. Letter 'C' surmounted by a coronet signifying the Clifford family on f.1r. 4. Annotation on f.296v: 'Md that I christofor Wallys of tottones in the [next word/s erased]' 5. On inside back cover is the motto 'Cui vult deus dat' and the monogram 'AH', 16th century.

Notes: Paris study bible. 16th-17th-century English annotations eg 'Here wanteth the rest of Exodus…' on f.24v – direct reader to continuation of the text later in the book; indications of close reading and readers' observations in the 14th and 17th centuries.

Transcription of 'Memo', inside front cover: 'That in St Peters church Wednesday 30 Ap. 1673 I met Mr [first word erased] Tho. [Hithergale?] who told me that this manuscript bible was Jerome's Latine translation approved by the Counsell of Trent for the best in those times and was given by his father-in-law Mr Je[…] [Jermiah?] [Long?] Justice, unto my father, Mr Walter Sainthill, deceased now also. It was written, hee said, in Glassenbury Abbey – per me E.S. scribitur Hoc'. Written under this: 'I doubt not a good bible this yet perhaps so though approved by that Counsell of Trent, for this it was considered handsome to some friends. E.S. 14 June 1680' [Possible reference to the King James version of the Bible then being in use?]. 'Walter Sainthill' may be from Hennock or Bovey Tracey, Devon, b. 1597, d. 1645 and this, coupled with ownership by Christopher Wallys of Totnes in Devon, would indicate a west county provenance, post reformation.

Reference: Sinclair: No.5 pp. 18-23; not in Manion & Vines

Latin Psalter and Missal, Germany, 14th century (Item 4)

Description: i, 401, ii leaves (vellum); 142 x 110 mm.; faults in leaves 214, 252 and 254 and on f.370r the marginal decoration is smeared.

Script: German littera gothica textualis

Decoration: Rubricated in red and blue; marginal flourishes in red and blue ink; calligraphic capitals in red and blue.

Layout: Part in double columns, 32 lines to the page; the greater part in one column of 26 lines to the page; calendar begins April (f.1r – f.5r).

Binding: Fine contemporary German tooled pig-skin binding of stamped vellum over champered oak boards with remains of original brass clasps. The stamped binding comprises a central rectangle of interlaced flower sprays surrounded by seven compartments of New Testament scenes, each with blind-stamped title. Includes image of David playing the harp, St Paul with his sword, Crucifixion etc. The lower cover is similarly stamped with the figures of Saints. Inside back cover appears to have a manuscript fragment underlying paper pastedown. Evidence that folios have been cut down (eg f.365v).

Provenance: 1. Cisterican church of St Mary in Furstenvelt, Diocese of Freising, with colophon dated 1306 of a monk, Heinrich von Biberach on f.399r. Freising was a major religious centre in the middle ages. 2. On front flyleaf i (recto) are two inscriptions which together suggest the name [Joannes Dir H. Mayer? or perhaps Ioannes Dirttmaiier?], dated 1569 and refer to his being adopted (perhaps by office rather than parents) in 1567. A naive drawing of a quadruped sits under this inscription. His inscriptions continue on front flyleaf i (verso) and say that he was ordained acolyte on the feast of St Cuthbert, 1569. 3. Inside front cover has an illuminated ex libris of Charles Clifford, 1839.

Notes: On the front flyleaf i (recto) are bon mots [good words] about mortality, dated 1569; end flyleaf ii and inside front cover contain the following text: Canticles for feast days; the addition of St Corbinian, patron of Freising and archdiocese of Munich, to the calendar in November (f.4v) reinforces that the manuscript is from the diocese of Freising. He is also included in a contemporary addition in main text at the foot of f.363r; St Acacius added to calendar in June (f.2r).

Reference: Sinclair: No.6 pp. 24-25; not in Manion & Vines

Latin and French Book of Hours, France, 15th century (Item 5)

Description: i-ii, 150, iii leaves (vellum); 178 x 125mm.

Script: French littera gothica textualis

Decoration: Twelve full-page miniatures (90 x 66mm) by two French artists. The work of the main artist is stylistically akin to Simon Marmion of Amiens, Valenciennes area, third quarter of the 15th century. Illustrations include: the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation to the Shepherds, the Manger, the Adoration of the Magi, the Flight into Egypt, the Crucifixion and a Pieta (f.141r) in a different style by another (possibly later) hand. Each miniature is surrounded by borders of scrolling foliage and fruits with grotesque beasts and birds in blue, green, pink, lilac and red. Most pages have marginal decoration of gold on red and blue grounds and line-fillings similarly decorated. Gilt-edged. Some illustrations have characteristic Flemish borders. Red ruling an indication of extra expense in producing the volume.

Two of the miniature pages are not in their original state – the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary on f.25r and the Annunciation to the Shepherds on f.43.r. Each folio has had a segment cut out and the miniature pasted onto it. Script and decoration on the back of each miniature is consistent with that of the rest of the volume but does not run on to the next page. The miniature on f.25r has been pasted onto a page that has the remains of an original border decoration on the left hand side. Matching foliate bar borders have been pasted onto the other three sides. The miniature on f.43r has no added borders. Possible scenarios for these two pages: something went wrong with the gold ground; the original borders were too 'explicit'; the original borders contained the initials of the previous owner; or the artist did not complete the border illustrations. Layout: One column; 17 lines to the page; calendar of 12 leaves (f.1r - f12v); blank pages on f.24v and f.92v.

Binding: Fine 17th century binding, possibly in the style of Samuel Mearne, of blind-tooled "drawn-handle" and floral arabesques within blind-tooled borders; spine is gilt; remains of silk ties.

Provenance: Inside front cover annotated 'I. Fontaine' in an 18th century hand; also contains a bookplate printed with the text 'From F.G. Dowty, Bookseller, Cornhill, Bridgwater'. This bookplate has been annotated 'Charles H. Clifford, 1854'.

Notes: The Calendar is written in the vernacular ie in French and probably originally created for a French patron. The first three leaves of the Calendar (f.1r-f.3v) have had the information carefully and fully excised, with only the illuminated initials remaining. Image of Bethsheba on f.70r has been excised, possibly by someone with a Puritan mind. Chalons-sûr-Marne usage.

Reference: Sinclair: No.7 pp. 25-27; Manion & Vines: No.76 pp.184-85

Latin Book of Hours, Italy, 15th century (Item 6)

Description: i, 141, ii leaves (vellum); 154 x 111 mm.

Script: Italina littera gothica textualis or possibly Italian Gothic rotunda

Decoration: Decoration is unfinished, with some initials not added or incomplete. Major initials in Ferrara foliate style. Incipit on f.1r 'Officinis Bte Marie virginis…', with initial letter "O" enclosing a miniature of the Virgin and Child, with borders of tendrils and flower sprays in red and blue and green on an illuminated frame. At the foot there is a shield of a camel in silver leaf raising from a pink gesso ground. The shield is surrounded by a laurel wreath, supported by putti borne upon tendrils of red, blue and green. Other capitals are painted in red, blue and yellow, and those not completed are sketched in ink; rubricated in red and blue throughout, and in the last leaves some marginal flourishes in red ink. On f.96r the Office of the Cross opens with a crescent moon man initial added by a later hand, which is supplying the unfinished initials. Catchwords have colophon decoration in late antique fashion, showing humanist interests.

Layout: One column; 14 or 15 lines to a page

Binding: Old mottled calf; spine gilt (spine slightly wormed and worn)

Provenance: Shield on bottom centre of f.1r possibly indicates association with the Gobio family of Mantua, whose family emblem is a silver dromedary positioned on a green ground with blue background. On f.141v in a late 15th century hand, almost obliterated, is inscribed a prayer 'Oratio post divinum officium', together with an illegible signature. Inscribed on inside front cover: 'Mary E. Kavanagh left this book to her nephew Lord Clifford, 1898.' The inside back cover is inscribed 'No. 30' in a 19th century hand. On f.22v is what appears to be an illegible name; erasures apparent on folios 9r, 17r and 55r.

Notes: Probable Franciscan influence as evidenced by the inclusion of St Clare of Assisi and St Bernadino of Siena in the litany. Rome usage.

Reference: Sinclair: No.8 pp. 27-30; Manion & Vines: No.27 pp.86-87

Latin Prayer Book, England, 15th century (Item 7)

Description: i-iii, 209, iv-v leaves (vellum); 137 x 90 mm.

Script: English littera gothica textualis formata + littera gothica textualis or perhaps a Gothic Textualis semi-quadrata. Two scribes, the second commencing on f.130r.

Decoration: The capital letters are written in blue with marginal flourishes in red ink, and capitals throughout in red and blue (passages in red have, in several instances been off-set on opposite surface). Psalms marked by major pen flourished initials and borders and traces of fore-edge book markers for them.

Layout: One column; 18 lines to the pageBinding: Bound in 17th century sprinkled calf, with two gilt rules enclosing a central panel of two gilt filets with leaves and acorn ornaments at corners; spine gilt.

Provenance: On inside front cover is a 'C' surmounted by a coronet signifying the Clifford family. The number '4' is written below. On front flyleaf iii (recto) is written 'Geo[rge] Kingsley' in an 18th-century hand in pale reddish crayon or ink.

Notes: The book has at some time has been slightly affected by damp, with spotting on some leaves. Has catchwords and systematic quire signatures (hi, hii etc). On back flyleaf iv (verso) is a 'prayer-like' text re Abraham and death. In the Vigils of the Dead (147r-201r) are many musical passages, four red line staves carrying black square notation.

Text opens modestly with some prefatory devotional matter before commencing with a major red and blue pen flourished initial to the Psalm 'Domine deus pater omnipotens…' on f.5r. There is some emphasis upon St Augustine, with long rubrics introducing matters attributed to him and some contemporary marginal insertions drawing attention to him in the text. There is also a 15th-century English cursive marginal annotation referring to Anselm of Canterbury. A particularly lengthy rubric (f.50v-52v) refers to prayer for time off from purgatory, which may be a popular prayer of the Church in 15th century, occurring in many Books of Hours. A prayer marked in rhyming couplets with red braces, like drama mss, is included on f.73v commencing 'Benedicta trinitas sis que me creasti...'. On f.96r-98v is a rubric referencing indulgence. On f.114r-115r a lengthy rubric about Thomas Becket whose name is unerased, possibly because it is embedded in the text, but probably indicating this is a recusant's book or was out of England after 1539 when Henry VIII ordered this name expunged. Also indicates, with the Anselm reference, a Canterbury interest and also perhaps Augustinian influence.

Litany includes St Gildard and St Medard of Soissons, the sole UK dedication to whom is the church of Little Bytham, Lincolnshire, near Stamford. Litany also contains St Edith of Wilton and eight of the twenty-one churches dedicated to her are in Lincolnshire. For this reason the volume or patron is probably from Lincolnshire. St Genevieve, patron of Paris and France, also occurs in litany and there is a church dedicated to her at Fornham St Genevieve, Suffolk. Female saints in the litany and emphasis on the Virgin may suggest female use, but not overwhelmingly so.

Reference: Sinclair: No.9 pp. 30-34; Manion & Vines: No.53 p.131

Latin Breviary, Germany, 15th century (Item 8)

NOTE: because of the thickness of the volume and the tightness of the binding, it was not possible to digitise all of the pages in this volume for viewing online. Images of the following pages are available: Recto of: fi-vii, f1-59, f61-138, f160; recto and verso of: f139-159, f161-178; and verso of: f179-326, fviii-x.

Description: i-vii, 326 leaves (vellum), viii-x; 123 x 85 mm. with outside measurement 12.5 x 8.7 mm. and 11.25 mm. thick; original cutting of lower edges of some leaves irregular.

Script: German littera cursiva but possibly German Gothic textualis semi-quadrata; not very well penned, with some prefatory matter and notes in German cursive. Script is not of highest quality, as is often the case with such German liturgical volumes, but the flourishing is quite proficient.

Decoration: Calligraphic capitals in red, blue and green ink; rubricated in red throughout.

Layout: One column; 18 lines to the page

Binding: Housed in the original German kermes stained red vellum binding; original heavy corner bosses and central boss on lower board to protect volume during storage (centre boss of upper cover missing from its fixing-pin, which remains).

Provenance: Inscribed on front flyleaf 'Honble Mr Clifford, Munich' in a 19th century hand; inside back cover is inscribed by a 15th century hand 'Maria sit semper' and also has the number '636' in modern pencil.

Reference: Sinclair: No.10 pp. 34-35; Manion & Vines: No.64 p.152

Latin Book of Hours, Southern Netherlands, 15th century (Item 9)

Description: i-ii, 126, iii-iv leaves (vellum); 195 x 140mm. F.72v and f.126v are blank.

Script: English littera gothica textualis formata or possibly Gothic textualis semi-quadrata

Decoration: Decorated with 26 full-page miniatures (96 x 70mm) of good quality. These include Christ with an orb and angels, the Trinity, John the Baptist, St. George and the Dragon, the martyrdom of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Saint Anne, Mary Magdalene, Saint Catherine, Saint Barbara, the vigil in Gethsemane, and the taking of Christ. There are also miniatures depicting Christ brought before Pilate, the scourging of Christ, the road to Calvary, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross, the Entombment; the Virgin and Child, the Resurrection, with instruments of the Passion, and others. Each miniature is surrounded by broad borders on two sides, and tendrils on the opposite sides, with scrolling stems of flowers and fruit in red, blue, pink and green, heightened with gold (some borders only slightly rubbed). There are diaper backgrounds to some miniatures in red, blue, green and gold checks; nine small miniatures of the Passion; numerous decorated initials, and capitals throughout in red, blue and gold; line fillings similarly decorated and illuminated. Red rubics.

Layout: One column; 22 lines to the page; prickings on outer margins; rulings in red ink throughout.

Binding: Bound in a contemporary blind stamped calf binding; blind ruled and with frame of two lines of stamped scrollwork.

Provenance: In the calendar for January (f.1r) a late 16th or 17th-century English hand has added 'Notalis mei Tho. Babi'. In the calendar for 18 September (f.5r) a 16th century hand has added 'Richard Ravenhill died ora pro[eo]' There are Richard Ravenhill's by 18th century connected to Middleton in Herefordshire and Mathon in Worcestershier. In October (f.5v) the same hand has added 'St Thomas of Hereford'. Therefore, a Herefordshire provenance by 16th- 17th century seems likely. On f.21v in a later hand Ioannis? Salisbury, now erased.

Notes: Saram usage. On the illustration of the Crucifixion (f.65r), the faces of the men nailing Christ to the cross have been erased. The illustration of St Catherine (f.21r), who was the Patron Saint of Child Birth, has evidence of being stroked for good luck and marginalia for this illustration appears to depict 'The Virgin's belt' which is unusual.

The miniature of the martyrdom of St. Thomas of Canterbury on f.16r is intact, indicating this is either a recusant book or post 1539.

On f.126r someone has started to copy out a charter of Henry VIII. It is in a proficient 16th-century hand and gives Henry VIII's titles and says he appends his seal at Westminster, and sends greetings to 'Harford' (possibly Hartford in Cheshire, a person, corruption of Herefordshire or Hertfordshire?), but the text is incomplete and probably a copy from a fuller one, so cannot be determined.

Made for an English patron, as evidenced by the incipit for the Hours of the Virgin 'secundum usum anglorum'(f.24r), the inclusion of devotions popular in England such as the fifteen O's (f.7r-12v) and the inclusion of English saints in both the calendar and the litany.

Gertrude of Nivelles, who appears in the litany (f.79r-85v), was a 7th-century abbess in Belgium connected to Irish mission of St Foilan, brother of St Fursey of Burgh Castle near Norwich and is a patroness of mental illness, travellers, gardeners and widows. Her cult was known in England but perhaps not very widely.

Page layout, script and decoration are all consistent with Flemish productions of the late 15th century.

Reference: Sinclair: No.11 pp. 35-38; Manion & Vines: No.54 pp.132-33

'Collections Illustrating the History of the Catholic Religion in Devon and Cornwall' by George Oliver, 1820 (Item 10)

Part the First. A neatly written manuscript with a dedication in the manuscript to the Right Honourable Charles Lord Clifford signed by the author, written on ruled sheets of an exercise book, contemporary calf, ruled in gilt. Exeter.

See published versions held in the Rare Book Collection at RB CLI 1735 and RB CLI 1737.

'Collections Illustrating the Catholic Religion in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall' by George Oliver, 1817 (Item 11)

Original manuscript of a book later published. Contemporary calf-backed boards. Exeter.

See published versions held in the Rare Book Collection at RB CLI 1735 and RB CLI 1737.

'Motives to the Catholic Faith', 1679 (Item 12)

Manuscript in a fine hand, probably by Bernard Turbitt, inscribed "His Day Book, 1679". Contemporary calf.

'Arbor Virtutum, or an Exact Modell in which are Represented all Manner of Vertues and Graves', Serenus Crassy, 17th century (Item 13)

A neat theological manuscript with index at end. Contemporary limp vellum. Cambray. 190 pages.

Papers with mathematical drawings, 17th century (Item 14)

Various papers with mathematical drawings, bound together in a small book of green stained parchment. In English and French.

'An Introduction to Divine Wisedome Comprised in Diverse Spirituall Treatises which containe ye Secrets of Mysticke Theology', 17th century (Item 15)

Manuscript neatly written, chapter headings in red ink. Contemporary calf with central gilt emblems on sides with initials of Thomas Clifford burnt in on top of the emblem.

Manuscript concerning the Virgin Mary, 18th century (Item 16)

Contemporary boards. 347 pages. In Latin.

Manuscripts of the Clifford Family, 1817 (Item 17)

Commentary on theological issues, the Poor laws, prisons, hospitals, the Secret Treaty of Dover, and personal opinions. Stitched in four gatherings in the form of a biographical work.

Copies of addresses, 17th century (Item 18)

Oraison Funebre and other addresses, a fair copy neatly written. Red morocco with gilt framed sides, spine gilt, gilt edges. In French.

Music manuscript book, c1830 (Item 19)

Has manuscript dedication to Thomas Weld within engraved borders of the title. Oblong, in a presentation binding of contemporary red morocco. The Cardinal's Arms are displayed in gilt on covers surrounded by decorative borders with grotesque animals and entwined stems of grapes and leaves, gilt edges.

Commentary on the Laws of England, late 18th century (Item 20)

Extracts from the Commentary on the Laws of England in four books by Williams Blackstone, Solicitor General to her Majesty, in a clear hand. Contemporary parchment backed boards.

'Constitutiones of a Monastery of the Cistercians in Westmalle Provinciae Antwerpientis', 18th century (Item 21)

Finely written manuscript. Half parchment and marbled boards. In Latin.

'Philosophiae, Pars Prima seu Logica', 1719 (Item 22)

Neatly written manuscript. Contemporary limp vellum. Colophon stating 'Monstelii anno 1719'. In Latin. 120 pages.

'Antiquae viae Regiae, viz.: The Auncient Highwaies of our English Kings, or a Morrall Discourse upon the Auncient Practises of the Regall Office or Sacred Oath', Thomas Brudenell, c1620 (Item 23)

Original manuscript written in a fine clear hand. Pages faintly ruled in red to allow for text and cross references to other events of the time. Original limp vellum with ties. 135 numbered leaves.

Summaries of the Parliaments held in Sicily, c1668 (Item 24)

An official manuscript of Summaries of the Parliaments held in Sicily with the names of the members, a draft of proceedings, a note of the monies voted etc. Contemporary vellum. In Italian.

'Abstract of all the Demesne, Lands and Mannors', Cornwall, mid-17th century (Item 25)

Manucript in a fine Court Hand showing the tenants, ages of tenants, rents values and other details of the Estate with abstracts of annual rents. This manuscript has a fine contemporary binding of black morocco within fully gilt borders comprising a design of crown, crossed sceptres and floral ornaments with a central arabesque of the same tools, the spine fully gilt, gilt edges.

'Contenant les Directions et Conseils pour les Voyageurs en Suisse', late 18th century (Item 26)

Manuscript fragment with advice and directions for travellers in Switzerland. Original wrappers. In French.

Nominal Roll, 1785 (Item 27)

Nominal Roll of a military unit, a Company of Grenadiers, Compagnie de Nugent, and other troops. Soldiers named with their rank, ages, height, place of birth, date of enrolment and promotion. Loose folio page entitled 'Tableau des corps simples' setting out details of four divisions. Original vellum with ties. 12 pages.

'Linien-Perspective', early 19th century (Item 28)

Original manuscript treatise written in a clear neat German hand and divided into paragraphs, each numbered in Roman lettering. The title is inscribed on the manuscript which also has a pattern of lines and frames, with the signature of 'Charles H. Clifford, 1840' on the title page. Contemporary half morocco spine gilt and marbled boards.

'Tractatus de Religione', 1805 (Item 29)

Theological manuscript written in Italian. Disbound.

A List of the congregation attached to the Chapel Ugbrooke, Chudleigh, Devon, 6 December 1830 (Item 30)

This manuscript consists of a list of those persons who attend the Chapel at Ugbrooke on 6 December 1830 and also shows their place of residence.

Horoscope of Thomas, 1st Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, 1670 (Item 31)

The Nativity of a Person of Honour, born 1630, August 1st, 10h.15am. Astronomically performed, 1670. Original manuscript horoscope of Thomas, 1st Lord Clifford of Chudleigh. Finely written with horoscope tables and chapters under the general heading 'Some General Astrological Observations on this Nativity,' including, 'Of Health and Sickness;' 'Of Complexion Stature and Disposition.' Other chapters include 'Of Riches;' 'Of Marriage and Issue;' 'Of Honour and Reputation;' 'Of Friends and Enemey'; 'Of Imprisonment and Death,' with a chapter of 'Observations on Particular Yeares'. Has inscriptions using vellum gilt. 32 pgs.

This horoscope is referred to in Evelyn's Memoirs. Refer also Ashmolean, MSS 436

'A Treatise of the True Causes of the Prevarication of the Churches Liberties in Englande', Thomas Brudenell, nd (Item 32)

The first chapter is titled 'The Lawfulness of King Henry the 8th, his Marriage with Queen Catherine, the Severall Impediments Annulled the Marriage of the said King with Anne Bullen and disabled their issue to the Succession of the Crowne of England, etc.' The manuscript is written in the author's original hand-writing in a fine clear hand with pages ruled into compartments of text and for cross references to other events of the time. Original limp vellum. Arms at the foot of the title leaf of the families of Brudenell quartering Tiaard, Annesty, Streete Reynes Borrard, Scudamour Leniston. 117 leaves.

'Incipit Officium gloriose Virginis Marie...', 19th century (Item 33)

Manuscript in Gothic script, on vellum, gilt edged, rubricated throughout. 19th century red velvet binding with silver corner pieces and clasp, in buckram covered box. Inserted leaf annotated 'Charles Clifford, 1839'.

'Lettres sur le Saint Abandon parle Pere-Milley, Mort en odeur de Saintete en assistant les Pestiferes á Marseilles', 19th century (Item 34)

Manuscript in a fine French hand. Straight-grained buckram, inscribed inside cover "T. Cardinal Weld". French.

'Remembrances for Order and Decency to be kept in ye Upper House of Parliament by the Lords when His Majestie is not there...', c1690 (Item 35)

Manuscript written in a clear hand. Bound in contemporary sprinkled calf gilt. 94 pages.

'The spirituall conflict written in Italian by a devout servant of God and lately translated into English out of ye same language', c1650 (Item 36)

Written in a fine hand. Original vellum with remains of ties. Pages faintly ruled in red.

'A Remonstrance of the Interessed in the Ships "Bona Esperanza" and "Henry Bona Adventura" of London with a Narrative of the Proceedings in the Case between the Assignes of William Courten and the East-India Company of the Netherlands', George Carew, 1662 (Item 37)

Woodcut on title ruled in red, Roman and black letter. There is an insert at front of the manuscript from the author signed and dated, Richmond, December 12th 1671 addressed to Sir Thomas Clifford, Treasurer of His Majesty's Household etc. There is a manuscript leaf which contains the following inscription: 'A Perticular Account of Monies lent and advanced by Sir Paul Pyndar to the Late King in the Years 1638-1639 and 1640'. Original sprinkled calf, spine gilt; with interesting association items bound in at beginning. Printed.

'The Life of St. Jane Frances de Chantal', Charles Clifford, 6th Baron, nd (Item 38)

Author's original manuscript. Undated and bound in the original calf panels and red morocco labels. Appears to be incomplete, with the last page ending mid-sentence. Inscribed on inside front cover 'Mary Christina Arundell'. 152 pgs.

General

Clifford family connection to Mary Christina Arundell: Benedict Conquest of Irnham Hall and his wife, Mary Ursula Markham, had two daughters: Mary Christina (1764–1805), who married James Everard Arundell, 9th Baron Arundell of Wardour, and Eleanor Mary (1766–1835), who married Charles Clifford, 6th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh.

'The life of Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzis', Charles Clifford, 6th Baron, nd (Item 39)

Author's original manuscript. Calf spine and marbled boards, (joints worn). 360 pgs.

Letter book, c1640 (Item 40)

Contains Petitions to the Sovereign, Account of Services, transcription of pamphlets of the Civil War period and other manuscripts relating to the Crown of England and Affairs of State. Bound together and clearly written by three or more hands. Contemporary calf with blind rules and red morocco labels. 180 leaves.

'Roma Sancta, that is the Holy Citie of Rome, so called, and so declared to be, First for Devotion, secondly for Charitie', Gregory Martin, nd (Item 41)

Manuscript, in English, by the Rev Gregory Martin of his book on Italy which he wrote in Reims during the period 1580-1581, after he had translated the bible into English. Contains corrections, additions, marginal notes. Describes vividly the religious life and the organised charities of Rome where Martin lived from 1576-1578. It is unclear how it came into the Clifford Collection, where it was reportedly held in 1837. It is also not clear if it is the original manuscript of the work. Bound in 17th century calf red morocco label with all edges uncut. 181 leaves.

Martin's book work was edited and published by George Bruner Parks in 1969. A copy is held in the NLA collection at RB 945.63 M381 .

Commonplace Book, 17th century (Item 42)

Clifford, Sir Thomas, 1st Baron Clifford, Lord Treasurer to Charles II): Commonplace Book. Original manuscript including index, printed label of Thomas Clifford dated 1647 on inside front cover. There is some arithmetical notation on flyleaf and the second flyleaf is torn, but there remains a note indicating that the manuscript was in the hand of Thomas Clifford himself. This suggestion has since been confirmed. Some of the pages have only a few lines while some pages are fully covered with annotation, notes and quotations. The binding has contemporary panels of sprinkled calf and spine gilt (spine covering loose). This manuscript is an unrecorded work that was not printed and belonged to the Lord Treasurer. 367 leaves.

Papers relating to the Bataille de l'Assiette, 19 July 1747 (Item 43)

Relation de l'attaque retranchements du Col de l'Assiette et du Clos Dorgueil, Le 19 Juillet 1747. Text commences 'L'Armeé du Dauphiné commandé par [Le Chevalier de Belle-Isle]…'. Six pages plus separate diagram depicting a fort and surrounds.

'Cayers Maconniques, tome premiere', 18th century (Item 44)

Manscript with title page 'Cayers Maconniques, tome premiere'. Not dated or paginated. Bound in calf with masonic emblems in gilt on spine and sides. An illustrated work on freemasonry, clearly written in French. 18th century.

Manuscript relating to Lord Clifford of Ugbrooke Park, c1829 (Item 45)

Manuscript relating to The Right Honourable Lord Clifford's return to Ugbrooke Park. Not dated but probably written around 1829. Bound qtr roan. Comprises verses celebrating Lord Clifford's return from The House of Lords, where he was one of the first three Peers to take their seats after the repeal of the laws disabling Roman Catholics.

Notebook, 1846 - 1868 (Item 46)

Notebook kept by C.H. Clifford [Charles Hugh Clifford, 8th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh (1819–1880)], given to him by his wife in 1846. Contains a variety of entries ranging from recipes, accounts of day-to-day expenses, diary notes and an account of trout caught in Carrington Brooks (1853-1857).

Note: nine pages at the beginning of the volume have been cut out.

Manuscript written by Henry Clifford, 24 September 1719 (Item 47)

Manuscript entitled 'The blood of ye Soule or pious Meditations on ye pastion for Every day of ye Month' write in to English by Henry Clifford Gentleman. Anno Domini September ye 24 1719. 537 pages.

Accounts for estates of Lord Clifford, 1748 - 1750 (Item 48)

George Knight's account with the Right Honourable Hugh, Lord Clifford, for the rents and profitts of his Lordship's Estates in Somersetshire, Warwickshire and Westmorland, from the 25th of January 1748–Midsummer 1750. 36 pages.

'Canciones y Arras Espanolas', nd (Item 49)

Manuscript music book. Approx 300 pages.

Manuscript relating to Roman Catholicism, May 1816 (Item 50)

Reflections on the state of the Catholic Question. Unbound, 16 pages.

Engineering Notebook, 20th century (Item 51)

Contains mathematical notations. First page headed 'Thermal conductivity of Araldite'.

Manuscript of a play, nd (Item 52)

Title: 'Tom Brown's Deception'. Inside back cover and last page annotated 'R. Parsley, 5 Barbican Place, [Barnstaple?]'. Contains sketches. Bound in vellum. 46pgs.

Notes on Real Property, J. Goode, 11 January 1882 (Item 53)

Written in exercise book, cover damaged. 106 pages.

Commonplace Book, 1842 (Item 54)

Léonide Calattini: Longleat 24 Février 1842. Commonplace Book, annotated "Autographs" on front cover. Inscribed on verso of first page 'Le livre a été commencé par Lady Bath au Château de Longleat (Wiltshire) 1842'. Contains poetry and essays in both English and French. Approx 200 pgs.

Manuscript entitled 'Theorie des Gaz', nd (Item 55)

Front page annotated 'Theorie des Gaz'. Headings within the document include 'Des fluides elestique' and 'Quelque ideés sur la magnetisme'. 12 pgs.

Sketch book, 12 May 1872 (Item 56)

Walter Clifford: sketch book containing two pages of sketches of gates.

Manuscript entitled: 'Savori in Algebra', nd (Item 57)

Bound volume. First page annotated 'Savori in Algebra'. Contains text and equations. Approx 150 pgs. [In Italian?]

Manuscript relating to the Hindu religion, nd (Item 58)

Written in French concerning the Hindu religion. Approx 150 pages.

Manuscript entitled: Del Palermo Restaurato di D. Vincenzo di Giovanni Bentiluomo Palermitano, nd (Item 59)

Manuscript, bound in vellum. 425 pages.

Minute Book, 1794 - 1802 (Item 60)

Minute book of the Committee for the Internal Defence of the County of Devon. Approx 120 pages.

Ledger, 1884-1915 (Item 61)

Lists of cattle and sheep stocked and sold the farm [Ugbrooke ?]. 26 pages.

Subscription List, 1799 (Item 62)

Subscription list for the memoirs illustrating the history of Jacobinism. 17pgs

A collection of some modern epistles of Monsieur de Balzac : Carefuly translated out of French : Being the fourth and last volume, 1639 (Item 63)

Published work.

Note: this item is held in the National Library's Rare Books Collection at RB CLI 133A

Il Petrarcha con L'espositione di M. Gio Andrea Gesvaldo. Appiesso Alessandro Griffio, 1581 (Item 64)

Published work, 414 pages.

Note: this item is held in the National Library's Rare Books Collection at RB CLI 1994A

Latin Chertsey Cartulary, England, 14th century (Item 65)

Description: i-iv, 153, v-viii leaves (vellum); 273 x 180mm. All sheets are cockled. The following pages are blank: 28v, 31v, 37v, 49r, 51v, 53v 80v, 89r-v, 91v, 107v, 116v, 119v, 120v, 127r-v.

Script: Two English scribes (i) f.1r-141v and (ii) f.142r-153v. Both use cursive court hands of the first half of the 14th century.

Decoration: Decorated with red rubrics; capitals red and blue; initials blue and with red penwork, and red with blue (often faded to mauve) penwork; many initials have marginal extensions. Silver, now tarnished, has been employed on some of the large initials (egs f.54r, f.66r, f.72r and f.81r).

Layout: One column; 32-33 lines to the page for f.1r-141v; mainly 35-36 lines to the page for the remaining folios.

Binding: Rebound in England by bookbinder Sydney Cockerell before being exported to Australia in 1975. The National Library of Australia holds the original boards (one complete and two sections of the second) of the Cartulary which consisted of a 17th century binding in sprinkled and panelled calf. The full board contains the remains of five cords. The original spine, which is gilt in six compartments with red morocco label and lettering, is glued into the back inside cover together with a fragment of original binding. Also glued into the back inside cover is a note from the binder, written in 1975.

Provenance: Benedictine Abbey of St Peter at Chertsey, Surrey, England, 14th-15th century; inside front cover has the crest of the Clifford family; on back flyleaf v (recto) at the top of the page is written 'Thomas Croch[?]n is a good boy'

Notes: Written within the Abbey of Benedictine monks in the English County of Surrey about 1348 and comprising transcriptions of original documents and charters relating to the administration of the abbey for the period 1313-1345 in the abbacy of John de Rutherwyck. Example of an unusual chronicle-cartulary arranged by year; one of three extant 14th century Chertsey Abbey cartularies, the other two being held by the British Library: BL Lansdowne MS 434 and BL Lansdowne MS 4345.

Front flyleaves (iii and vi) and back flyleaves (v and vi) comprise four folios from the mid-14th century which appear to have been cut down from a roll and list the only known extant original accounts for the abbey

On f.153v is a very faint 14th century hard point annotation which commences 'Sex…'

The Charter of the Abbey is at the front of the volume and a number of Quitclaims and other documents are at the back. Continuation of text after the end of the book seems to have been added later in 14th century.

On the inside front cover is pasted a 19th century newspaper cutting advertising the sale of materials that made up the buildings and enclosures of the abbey.

Reference: Sinclair: No. 12, pp.38-41;, not in Manion & Vines

Related works: The National Library holds the following related works: Chertsey Abbey cartularies, volume II, part I: being the second portion of the Cartulary in the Public Record Office ; Chertsey cartularies, volume II, part 2: being extracts from British Museum Lansdowne MS. 435 and the Clifford Cartulary, together with index to volume II ; and Charters of Chertsey Abbey, edited by S.E. Kelly

'Vivat Jesus: Spiritual instructions in form of Dialogues on the states of Prayer. According to the doctrine of his Lordship J.B. Bonssuet, Bishop of Meaux', 1827 (Item 66)

This item was written by a Father of the Society of Jews and translated from the original French in 1827. Inscribed front cover Thos.Card:Weld [ie Thomas Weld, Cardinal].

Commonplace book, 10 March 1823 (Item 67)

Title page annotated: 'Supplement to the English Roman Missal'. Kept by Mary Lucy Clifford, Ugbrooke,commencing March 10th 1823. Contains verses and other writings.

Many pages blank.

Exercise book of J. Jones, 11 September 1834 (Item 68)

Contains maps and dates of historical events in Europe.

Papers relating to the Catholic Poor Schools Committee, 1848 (Item 69)

Correspondence, receipts, pro forma comprising questions for 'Applicants for aid', printed addresses, and a large printed folio of Privy Council minutes 1846-1847 re the 'Augmentation of the salaries of Schoolmasters and School mistresses...' (in 1 folder).

Papers relating to Ugbrooke Catholic School, 1863 - 1864 (Item 70)

Correspondence, returns and published code of regulations. (1 folder).

Expense account of Bishop Vaughan, 1869 (Item 71)

Bishop Vaughan's Expenses Fund comprising circulars and letters relating to financial assistance to enable the Bishop of Plymouth to attend the Vatican Council.

Printed addresses and letters relating to issues of Roman Catholicism, 1788 - 1830 (Item 72)

22 items

Printed and manuscript documents relating to issues of Roman Catholicism, c1794-1830 (Item 73)

98 items (in 4 folders)

Printed and manuscript documents relating to issues of Roman Catholicism, c1822-1848 (Item 74)

28 items (in 3 folders)

Latin fragment, Ovid, Second-half of 13th century (Item 75)

Fragment of poem on vellum, one leaf, page size 258 x 194mm. The sheet serves as a cover for 'Les Devoirs du Chrétien envers Dieu, et les moyens de pouvoir bien s'en acquitter' by Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, Paris, 1817. The fragment was written in the second half of 13th century.

Note: this item is held in the National Library's Rare Books Collection at RB CLI 3336.

Correspondence of Charles Clifford, 6th Baron Clifford, 1812 - 1825 (Item 76)

Miscellaneous letters received by Lord Clifford. Correspondents include L'Abbé Baruelle, Lord Cloncurry, James Parker, Thomas Acland, E.B. Portman and John Cholwick (in 1 folder).


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