A catalogue of Western manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries and selected Oxford colleges

MS. Bodl. 343

Summary Catalogue no.: 2406

The Bodley Homilies

Homilies and lives of saints; England, s. xii2

Contents

Summary of Contents: The manuscript contains a collection of Ælfric's homilies, tracts and saints' lives, with other homiletic material by Wulfstan, Latin sermons and musical annotations.
(fols vi r–vii v/28)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.2.32)
Rubric: Dom(inica) . viii . p(ost) pentecosten.
Incipit: Cum multa t(ur)ba esset cu(m) nec haberent quod manducarest: ˥ Rel(iqua). Marcus se godspellere cƿæð on þissu(m)
Explicit: mid godes geƿæpnuge ongean
Language(s): Old English

The text in the manuscript ends at Godden 1979, l. 132, p. 234.

Godden 1979, pp. 230-34.
Ker 1957, Art. 1.
(fols viii r–viii v/10)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.2.33)
Incipit: habban god . Þu ƿylt habban hælu . Þines lichoman
Explicit: on ealra ƿoru(?)da ƿoruld. AMEN
Language(s): Old English

The text begins at Godden 1979, l. 111, p. 238.

Godden 1979, pp. 235-40.
Ker 1957, Art. 2.
(fols viii v/12–ix v/28)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Second Sunday after Easter (Cameron B.1.1.19)
Incipit: IN illo T(empore); Dixit ie(su)s discipulis suis EGO sum pastor bonus . ... Ðis godspel þe nu geræd ƿæs
Explicit: ge cariað embe eoƿerne big.
Language(s): Old English

The text includes Clemoes 1997, ll. 1-61, p. 313.

Clemoes 1997, pp. 313-16.
Ker 1957, Art. 3.
(fols x r1–12)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.2.38)
Incipit: sƿyðor cepað; Ne cƿæ he na þ(æt) us beoð
Explicit: ƿurðmynt on ealra ƿorulda(?) ƿoruld; AM(EN)
Language(s): Old English

The text ends at Godden 1979, l. 107, p. 271.

Godden 1979, pp. 268-71.
Ker 1957, Art. 4.
(fol. x recto)
Music on a four-line stave
Incipit: Salue s(an)c(t)arum s(an)c(t)issma
Language(s): Latin

This note was inserted probably xiiex.

AH, vol. 9, 69, no. 83
Ker 1957, Art. 86.
(fol. x verso)
Music on a four-line stave written in two columns
Incipit: Salue mater saluatoris
Language(s): Latin

This note was inserted probably s. xii.

AH, vol. 10, 113, no. 151
Ker 1957, Art. 86.
(fol. x verso)
Incipit: Spes maria peccatoris
Language(s): Latin
AH, vol. 10, 113, no. 151
Ker 1957, Art. 86.
(fols xi r–xxxix v)
A version of the Homiliary of Angers
Language(s): Latin

These are sixty-seven homilies on the gospels from Lent to Quinquagesima. Nine items are unique to the Bodley version of the homiliary. A transcription and collation is available in Conti 2004.

Conti 2004, p. 33, and pp. 220-369
Étaix 1994
Ker 1957, Art. 5.
(fols 1r–4r/31)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: De Initio Creaturae (Cameron B.1.1.2)
Rubric: Incipit liber catholico(rum) sermonum anglice in anno .I
Rubric: Sermo ad pop(u)l(u)m de inicio creature
Incipit: An angin is alræ ðingæ
Explicit: þæt ece lif mid gode þe ðe a on ecnesse rixæd; AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 178-89
Ker 1957, Art. 6.
(fols 4v/2–6v/2)
Ælfric, Homilies of Ælfric: Dominica I Post Pentecosten (Cameron B.1.4.13)
Incipit: Erat homo ex phariseis nichodemus nomine; princeps iudeor(um) & r(e)l(iqua);Sum phariseisc mon ƿæs ihaten nichodemus
Explicit: þam halgæ gaste on ane godcyndnysse. ƿe cƿeðeþ AMEN.
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 7.
Pope 1967, n. xii, pp. 476-89.
(fols 6v/2–8r/26)
Ælfric, Homilies of Ælfric: Dominica V Post Pascha (Cameron B.1.4.8)
Rubric: EWANGELIUM
Incipit: SUME MEN NUTEN iƿiss for heoræ nytenessæ
Explicit: mid þæs halgæn gastes gyfe. þam is æfre an ƿuldor ˥ an ƿurðment. Amen'.
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 8.
Pope 1967, n. vii, p. .
(fols 8r/27–10r/4)
Ælfric, Remaining Homilies by Ælfric: Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.5.6)
Rubric: Erat quidam regulus cuius filius infirmabatur capharnaum & R(E)L(INQUIA)
Incipit: Ure hælend cóm hƿilon tó chanan
Explicit: ðam is anƿeald ˥ ƿuldor ˥ ƿurðment on ecnysse á to ƿorulde. AMEN;
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, n. 1, pp. 19-25
Ker 1957, Art. 9.
(fols 10r/5–11v/23)
Ælfric, Remaining Homilies by Ælfric: Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.5.7)
Incipit: Simile est regnum celorum homini regi & reli(qu)a. CRI\s/tes íƿunæ ƿæs ðæt he ƿolde oft spæcæn
Explicit: beo him á á ƿurðmynt ˥ ƿuldor AMEN. AMEN
Language(s): Old English

Five lines left blank at the end of fol. 11v.

Irvine 1993, n. 2, pp. 37-45.
Ker 1957, Art. 10.
(fols 12r–14v/7)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: First Sunday in September (Cameron B.1.2.37)
Rubric: De patientia Iob ˥ Constantia . quomo(do) in dolore firmus in fide p(er)seuerauerit
Incipit: Míne gebroðræ þe rædeþ nu æt godes þenunge be þam eadige ƿære iob
Explicit: þe ðe ane is god á á on ecenysse. AMEN;
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 260-67
Ker 1957, Art. 11.
(fols 14v/8–20v/37)
Anonymous Homilies, Homilies for Specified Occasions, Sanctorale: Invention of the Cross (Cameron B.3.3.5)
Incipit: HER ONGINNÆÐ to sæcgæn be þam treowe þe ðeo rode ƿæs of íƿroht
Explicit: ðæ gyt oð þysne andƿeardan dæg heo ihealdene ƿeron Amen Amen;
Language(s): Old English

Published with a facing-page translation in Napier 1894

Napier 1894, 2-34.
Ker 1957, Art. 12.
(fols 21r–23r/34)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Feria III de dominica oratione (Cameron B.1.1.21)
Incipit: Ðe hælend crist syððan he to þisse liue com
Explicit: on þare he rixæð mid alle his halgum on alre ƿorulda ƿoruld a butan ende. on eccenysse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 325-34.
Ker 1957, Art. 13.
(fols 23v–26v)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Laurence (Cameron B.1.1.31)
Rubric: Passio sancti laurentii martyris . iiii to . id(us) aug(usti)
Incipit: ON DECies dæige þæs ƿælreowan caseres
Explicit: he þroƿode mid kene mode monigfealde tintreda mid ðam he orsorglice on ecenysse wynuldræð am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 551-52.
Ker 1957, Art. 14.
(fols 26v/6–30/5)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Bartholomew (Cameron B.1.1.33)
Rubric: Passio sancti bartholomei ap(osto)li. viii. k(a)l(endas). sept(embris)
Incipit: Wyrdwriteræs sæcgæð þet ðreo leodscipæs beoþ ihanten india
Explicit: Sy him ƿyldor ˥ lof. on alre ƿoruldæ ƿoruld. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 552-53.
Ker 1957, Art. 15.
(fols 30r/5–33v/12)
Anonymous Homilies, Homilies for Specified Occasions, Sanctorale: Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Cameron B.3.3.18)
Rubric: Natiuitas sancte marie
Incipit: Men ða leofeste wurðie we nu on andƿeardnysse þa gebyrdtide þære eadige femne s(an)c(t)e matia
Explicit: he us gife sisum lif. ˥ ece eadignyssæ a buton ends. god us to þam fylste. am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Assman 1889, n. 10, pp. 117-37.
Ker 1957, Art. 16.
(fols 33v/12–35r/12)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Matthew (Cameron B.1.2.40)
Rubric: Passio s(an)c(t)i mathei ap(osto)li .x k(a)l(endas) oct(obris)
Incipit: þe apostol math(eu)s and godspellere becom
Explicit: Beo þæs gode lof a buto(n end on ecnesse. AMEN)
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 275–79
Ker 1957, Art. 17.
(fols 35r/12–39v/16)
Ælfric, Third Series of Homilies [Lives of Saints]: Saint Martin (Cameron B.1.3.30)
Rubric: Incipit uita s(an)c(t)i Martini episcopi .iiia. id(us) Novemb(ris)
Incipit: Sulspicius hatte sum snoter writere
Explicit: þe þe on ecnysse rixæð almihtig ƿealdend.
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 18.
Skeat 1966, II, pp. 218-312.
(fols 39v/16–41r/26)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.2.35)
Rubric: D(o)m(ini)ca Xa. po(st) pentecost(en)
Incipit: DIXIT ie(us)s ad quosdam
Explicit: þe ðe ane ƿælt alræ isceaftæ. Amen
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 249-54
Ker 1957, Art. 19.
(fols 41r/31–42v/26)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Assumption of the Virgin (Cameron B.1.2.36)
Rubric: Euuang(e)l(iu)m
Incipit: Men þa leofeste hƿilon ær ƿe sæden eoƿ þo\ne/ pistol
Explicit: Ðe ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld. Amen
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 255-59
Ker 1957, Art. 20.
(fols 42v/26–45r/19)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: The Third Sunday after Epiphany (Cameron B.1.1.9)
Rubric: Dom(ini)ca iiia post epiphania(m) d(omi)ni
Incipit: Cum autem descendisset ie(su)s de monte ... Mathevs ðe godspellere ƿrat on ðissere godspellice redinge
Explicit: ˥ an god on ane dogcundnesse effre ƿuniende buton anginne ˥ ende
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 241–48.
Ker 1957, Art. 21.
(fols 45r/20–47v/11)
Ælfric, Third Series of Homilies [Lives of Saints]: Chair of Saint Peter (Cameron B.1.3.11)
Rubric: XXVIIa. ID(US) MARTT CATHEDRA S(AN)C(T)I PETRI AP(OSTO)LI
Incipit: Ƿe cƿæðæð on gerimcræfte cathedra sancti petri
Explicit: He geƿat þa to heofenu(m) . to hælende criste. ðam is ƿuldor ˥ ƿurðment a on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld. AMEN.
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 22.
Skeat 1966, I, pp. 218-39.
(fols 47v/11–50r/6)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Annunciation (Cameron B.1.1.14)
Rubric: ANNUNCIATION S(AN)C(T)E MARIE
Incipit: Vre almihtig s\c/uppend. ðe ðe alle isceaftæ
Explicit: þe ðe ƿeald alle þing mid fæder ˥ mid þa(m) halgæ gaste a on ecnesse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 281–89.
Ker 1957, Art. 23.
(fols 50r/7–50v/8)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Septuagesima (Cameron B.1.2.6) Explanation of Alleluia and Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Rubric: Dominica in septuagesima
Incipit: ƿe yllæð sæcgæn bi þisse andwearde tide
Explicit: ƿe him singæð ecelice all(elui)a buten gesƿinke. Am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, 49–51, ll. 234-87
Ker 1957, Art. 24.
(fols 50v–52v)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Septuagesima [second part] (Cameron B.1.2.6.1)
Incipit: Simile est regnum celorum homini patrifamilias (and) R(E)L(IQUIA). Se hælend cƿæð
Explicit: þe ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð nu ˥ symle a on ƿorulde. Amen
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 41-49, ll. 1-233.
Ker 1957, Art. 25.
(fols 52v/24–54v/19)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Sexagesima (Cameron B.1.2.7)
Rubric: D(omi)nica in sextagesima
Incipit: Cum turba plurima plurima convenirent as ie(su)m & cetera. Oon sumere tide þa þa mucel meniu samod comen to þam hælende
Explicit: þ(æt) ece lif habben moten on alre ƿoruldæ ƿoruld a buton ende. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 52–59.
Ker 1957, Art. 26.
(fols 54v/19–56v/27)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Quinquagesima (Cameron B.1.1.11)
Rubric: D(OMI)NICA IN QVINQUAGESSIMA
Incipit: Assumpsit ie(su)s duodecim discipulos suos secreto & ait & cetera. Her is ired on þisse godspelle
Explicit: þe ðe leofæð ˥ rixæ a on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld a buton ende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 258–65.
Ker 1957, Art. 27.
(fols 56v/37–58v/6)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: First Sunday in Lent (Cameron B.1.1.12)
Rubric: D(O)M(IN)ICa .I a . QUADRAGESSIME
Incipit: Men þa leofeste ic cyðe eow þ(æt) ðreo þing
Explicit: mid fæder ˥ mid sune ˥ mid þam halge gaste leofæþ ˥ rixæð þurh alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld a on ecnesse a buton ende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Belfour 1909, n. 5, pp. 40-48.
Ker 1957, Art. 28.
Scragg 1992, n. 3, pp. 73-83.
(fols 58v/7–60r/17)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Second Sunday in Lent (Cameron B.1.2.9)
Rubric: D(O)M(IN)ICA Se(E)C(UN)DA IN QVADRAGESSIMA
Incipit: Men þa leofeste Ƿe ƿyllæð her specan feaƿu(m) ƿordum
Explicit: mid fæder. ˥ mid sunu. ˥ mid þam halgum gaste a on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld a buton ende Am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Belfour 1909, n. 5, pp. 40-48.
Ker 1957, Art. 29.
(fols 60r/17–62r/10)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Andrew (Cameron B.1.1.40)
Rubric: Nat(a)l(e) s(an)c(t)i andree ap(osto)li
Incipit: Ambulans ie(su)s iuxte mare galilee. & R(E)L(IQUA); CRist on sume tide ferde ƿið þare galileiscen sæ
Explicit: beo ƿuldor ˥ lof hælende criste a on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld a buton ende Amen.
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 507–13, ll. 1-168.
Ker 1957, Art. 30.
(fols 62r/10–64r/14)
Ælfric, Third Series of Homilies [Lives of Saints]: Passion of Saint Edmund (Cameron B.1.3.31 )
Rubric: Nat(a)l(e) s(an)c(t)i eadmu(n)di regis & martyris.
Incipit: SVM sƿyðe ilæred munuc
Explicit: a mid his heofenlice fæder ˥ þa [...]
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 31.
Skeat 1966, II, pp. 314-35, ll. 13-276.
(fols 64r/15–64v/30)
Augustine, Sermo 104

The first eight chapters on sins and the appropriate punishments to cleanse them

Rubric: Dedicatione eccl(esi)e
Incipit: Fu(n)dam(en)tu(m) aliud
Language(s): Latin

Additions to a blank folio.

Ker 1957, Art. 87.
Morin 1953, pp. 724-29.
DPL, 39.
(fols 64v/34–40)
The Sequence Specialis graciosa uirgo maria with music and a four-line stave
Language(s): Latin

Additions to a blank folio.

Ker 1957, Art. 89.
AH, 40, 103, n. 101. 13-276.
(fols 65r–66r/2)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: First Sunday in Advent (Cameron B.1.1.41)
Rubric: D(omi)nica pr(ima) de adue(ntu) domini
Incipit: þisses dæges ðenung ˥ ðissere tide mærð
Explicit: ðam beo ƿuldor ˥ lof on ecnesse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 520-23.
Ker 1957, Art. 32.
(fols 66r/1–67v/14)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Second Sunday in Advent (Cameron B.1.1.42)
Rubric: D(omi)nica se(cunda) in adue(ntu domini )
Incipit: Đe godspellere lucas awrat on ðissu(m) dægðerlican godspelle
Explicit: þe ðe leofað ˥ rixað on alra ƿorulda ƿorld. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 524–30.
Ker 1957, Art. 33.
(fols 67v/14–69v/14)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Christmas (Cameron B.1.1.3)
Rubric: IN DIE NATALIS D(OMI)NI
Incipit: Ƿe ƿillað to trumninge eoƿre leafa
Explicit: a on annesse ðæs halgan gastes on ealra ƿeorulda ƿeorld. Am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 190–97.
Ker 1957, Art. 34.
(fols 69v/14–72r/4)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Epiphany (Cameron B.1.2.4)
Rubric: Sermo in epiphania domini.
Incipit: Đes dæg is ihaten bocu(m). Epihphania
Explicit: þe ðe leofað and rixað a buten ende. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 19–28
Ker 1957, Art. 35.
(fols 72r/4–74r/28)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Purification (Cameron B.1.1.10)
Rubric: Purificatio S(an)c(t)e Marie
Incipit: Postquam impleti sunt dies purgatoris marie & RELIQU. God bead on ðære alde lage
Explicit: Ðe þe leofað ant rixað a buton ende. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 249–57.
Ker 1957, Art. 36.
(fols 74r/28–74v/28)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Napier 1883 [1967], no. 56: 'De Confessione' (Cameron B.3.4.45)
Rubric: De confessione
Incipit: Leofa man ic axie þe on drihtnes namen hƿylces geleafan ðu beo to gode
Explicit: he sylf leofað ˥ rixað mid fæder ant sunæ. ˥ halig gast. a on ecnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Napier 1883, n. 56, pp. 289–91.
Ker 1957, Art. 37.
(fols 74v/28–76v/29)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Palm Sunday (Cameron B.1.1.15)
Rubric: D(omi)nica in ramis palmar(um)
Incipit: CRITES ðroƿung ƿæs ired nu beforen us
Explicit: þe ðe leofað ˥ rixað a buton ende Amen
Language(s): Old English

On fol. 76v/30, there is Ælfric’s injunction: 'Circlice þeaƿæs forbeodoð to secgenne ænig spel on ðam ðrym sƿygdagas' (for a discussion, see Conti 2004, p. 43, n. 88)

Clemoes 1997, pp. 290–98.
Ker 1957, Art. 38.
(fol. 76v)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Cyrclice þeawas (Cameron B.1.1.16)
"Circlice þeawas forbeodað to secgenne ænig spel on ðam ðrym swygdagas"
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 38.
(fols 76v/31–78v/14)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Easter (Cameron B.1.1.17)
Rubric: De resurrectione domini
Incipit: Maria magdalene & maria iacobi & salomee & R(E)L(IQUA). Oft ge hyrdon embe ðæs hælendes ærist
Explicit: nu ant a on ecnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 299–306.
Ker 1957, Art. 39.
(fols 78v/14–79r/16)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: In Letania Maiore (Cameron B.1.1.20)
Rubric: In letania maiore
Incipit: Đas dagas beoð ihatene letanie
Explicit: Þe ƿillað nu þis godspel eoƿ reccen. þe her nu ired ƿæs eoƿre leafan to trymmingge.
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 317–18, ll. 1-43.
Ker 1957, Art. 40.
(fols 79r/9–80v/16)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: In Letania Maiore [second part] (Cameron B.1.1.20.1)
Rubric: IN letania maiore
Incipit: Dixit ie(su)s discip(u)lis suis ... Þe hælend cƿeð to his leorningcnihtas hƿylc eoƿer is þe hafað sumne freond;
Explicit: þe ðe leofað ˥ rixað mid fæder ˥ mid halge gaste a buton ende Amen
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 319-213, ll. 44-213.
Ker 1957, Art. 40.
(fols 80v/16–83r/24)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Ascension (Cameron B.1.1.23)
Rubric: Sermo de ascensione domini
Incipit: LVcas þe godspelle us munode on ðisse pistolrædinge
Explicit: Ðe þe leofað ˥ rixað mid þa(m) almihtiga fæder ˥ þa(m) halga gaste. a on ecnesse. Amen Amen
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 345-53.
Ker 1957, Art. 41.
(fols 83r/5–85r/24)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.24)
Rubric: IN die sancto pentecosten
Incipit: FRAM ÐAM halgan æsterlican dæge beoð itealde fiftige daga to þisse dæge
Explicit: Ðe þe leofað ˥ rixað a buton ende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 354-64.
Ker 1957, Art. 42.
(fols 85r/25–87r/26)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: John the Baptist (Cameron B.1.1.27)
Rubric: Natiuitas Sancti iohannis Baptiste; Uiii. k(a)l(enda)s. Ivlii;
Incipit: Đe GOdspellere lucas aƿrat on cristes bec be accænnednesse Iohannis
Explicit: þam beo ƿuldor ˥ lof mid fæder ˥ galgu(m) gaste a on acnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 379-87.
Ker 1957, Art. 43.
(fols 87r/27–88r/17)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Peter and Paul (Cameron B.1.1.28)
Rubric: De Passione sanctor(um) Ap(osto)lor(um) petri & pauli
Incipit: Uenit ie(su)s in partes ... MATHEUS ðe godspellere wrat on ðære godspellicen isetnysse
Explicit: ðe him ne bið ityðod naðor ne synnæ forgifenysse. ne infær ðæs heofenlican rices
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 388-91, ll. 1-96.
Ker 1957, Art. 44.
(fols 88r/17–90r/14)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Passion of Peter and Paul (Cameron B.1.1.28.1)
Rubric: De Passione Ap(osto)lor(um) petri & pauli
Incipit: Ƿe ƿyllað eafter ðisse godsplle eoƿ ræccan ðara ap(osto)la drohtinga
Explicit: ðam beo ƿuldor ˥ lof a on ecnesse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 391-99, ll. 97-295.
Ker 1957, Art. 45.
(fols 90r/15–92v/13)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Paul (Cameron B.1.1.29)
Rubric: Natale S(an)c(t)i pauli
Incipit: Godes laðung wyrðað þisne dæg
Explicit: heo mid heom ˥ mid gode þ(æt) ece lif habben moten
Language(s): Old English

Clemoes 1997, pp. 400-9.
Ker 1957, Art. 46
(fols 92v/13–95v/2)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Feria III de fide catholica (Cameron B.1.1.22)
Rubric: De fide catholica
Incipit: Ælc cristene man sceal æfter rihte cunnan ægðer ge his pater noster ge his credan
Explicit: þe ðe þurh ƿunæð on þrynnysse an almihtig god. a on ecnesse Amen
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 335-44.
Ker 1957, Art. 47.
(fols 95v/3–97r/8)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Circumcision (Cameron B.1.1.7)
Rubric: Circu(m)scisio d(omi)ni
Incipit: ĐE GODspellere lucas beleac þisses dæges godspel
Explicit: beo him ƿuldor ˥ lof a on ecnysse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 224-31.
Ker 1957, Art. 48.
(fols 97r/8–98v/19)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Second Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.25)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(um) Lvcam
Incipit: Homo quidam erat diues et induebatur ... ÞE ƿældendæ drihten sæde þis bigspel
Explicit: heo þreo on annre godcyndnysse ƿuniende butan anginne. ˥ endunge. a on ƿerolde AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 365-70.
Ker 1957, Art. 49.
(fols 98v/20–100v/21)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.26)
Rubric: S(E)C(UN)D(UM) Lvcam
Incipit: Erant adp(ro)pinquantes ... Þæt halige godspel us sæð þ(æt) refan ˥ synfulle men neahleacedon
Explicit: þe ðe leofað ˥ rixað mid fader on annesse þæs halgan gastes on alræ ƿorulda ƿoruld. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 371–78.
Ker 1957, Art. 50.
(fols 100v–103r)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.30)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(um) Lvcam
Incipit: Cum appropinquar(e)t ie(su)s hierusalem ... ON summere tide ƿæs ðe hælende farende
Explicit: Beo ðe lof ˥ ƿuldor on alræ ƿoruldæ ƿoruld. AMEN.
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 410-17.
Ker 1957, Art. 51.
(fols 103r–104v)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.35)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(um) Lvcam
Incipit: Ibat ie(su)s in ciuitatem que uocatur naim ... URE drihten ferde to sumere burig
Explicit: Heo ðry an ælmihtigæ god unto dæledlic a on ecnysse rixiende. AM(EM)
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 459–64.
Ker 1957, Art. 52.
(fols 104v/5–107v/7)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (Cameron B.1.1.37)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(um) Mathevm
Incipit: Loquebatur ie(su)s ... DRIHTEN ƿæs specende on sumere tide
Explicit: þu ðe leofest ˥ rixost mid ðam ecen fæder ˥ halgu(m) gaste on alræ ƿerolda ƿeoruld AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 476-85.
Ker 1957, Art. 53.
(fols 107v/7–110r/28)
Ælfric, Remaining Homilies by Ælfric: Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Lent (Cameron B.1.5.2)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(um) Ioh(anne)m
Incipit: Preteriens i(esu)s uidit hominem cecum a natiuitate. & RELIQ(UA) Vre drihten ðe mildheortæ hælend
Explicit: ˥ ƿe ƿurdon onlihte ðurh ðone lyfigiendan drihten þa leofæð a on ecnysse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, n. 3, pp. 61-74.
Ker 1957, Art. 54.
(fols 110r/28–113v/23)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Assumption of the Virgin (Cameron B.1.1.32)
Rubric: Assumptio sancte marie
Incipit: Hieronimus ðe halga sacerd ƿrat ænne pistol
Explicit: Ðe þe leofæð ˥ rixæð mid fæder ˥ halgæ gaste on alre ƿeorldæ ƿeoruld AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 429–38.
Ker 1957, Art. 55.
(fols 113r/23–114v/19)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: All Saints (Cameron B.1.1.38)
Rubric: festiuitas om(n)ium sanctor(um)
Incipit: Halige larƿeas sædon þ(æt) seo geleaffule gelaðung
Explicit: þ(æt) ƿe to ðare ecan freolstide becumen
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 486–491, ll. 1-146.
Ker 1957, Art. 56.
(fols 114v/20–116r/15)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: All Saints [second part] (Cameron B.1.1.38.1)
Rubric: S(E)C(UN)D(UM) Math(eu)m
Incipit: Uidens ie(su)s turbas asscendit in montem. Et Reliq(ua. Đæt halige godspel þe lutle ǽr ætforen eoƿ íræd)
Explicit: scyppend. ˥ alysend. ealra halgenæ mid fæder. ˥ mid halgu(m) gaste. a on ecenesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Clemoes 1997, pp. 491–96, ll. 147-291.
Ker 1957, Art. 57.
(fols 116r/16–117v/31)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Peter and Paul (Cameron B.1.2.31) (?)
Rubric: In octaua ap(osto)lor(um) petri & pauli
Incipit: ( ) Matheus þe godspellere aƿrát on cristes béc
Explicit: on alræ weorulda weoruld á to tídan fore Amen.
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 223-229, ll. 53-252.
Ker 1957, Art. 58.
(fols 117v/31–119v/11)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: James and the Seven Sleepers (Cameron B.1.2.34)
Rubric: Iacobi apostoli
Incipit: On ðissu(m) dæge we wurðiæð on ure lofsange
Explicit: þam is wuldor ˥ wyrdmend on ealræ weoruldæ weorld AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 241-47.
Ker 1957, Art. 59.
(fols 119v/11–121v/4)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Martyrs (Cameron B.1.2.46)
Rubric: pl(ur)imor(um) martyrum
Incipit: Cum audieritis prelia & seditiones nolite terreri & R(E)L(IQUA). De hælend foresæde his leorningcnihtu(m)
Explicit: Béo him wuldor ˥ wyrðmynt on alræ weoruldæ weoruld. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 310-17.
Ker 1957, Art. 60.
(fols 121v/4–122r/11)
Ælfric, Third Series of Homilies [Lives of Saints]: The Martyrdom of Saint Vincent (Cameron B.1.3.35)
Rubric: Uni(us) martiris
Incipit: Amen amen dico uobis nisi granum frumenti ...Soð soð ic eow secge gif þ(æt) ísawene
Explicit: on anre godcundnesse on áne mægenðryme on anúm gecynde á on ecnesse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, pp. 111-15, ll. 284-372.
Ker 1957, Art. 61.
(fols 122r/11–124r/27)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Confessor (Cameron B.1.2.47)
Rubric: Unius confessoris;
Incipit: Homo quidam p(er)egre p(ro)ficisscens uocauit seruos suos...URE drihten sæde þis bigspel his leorningcnihtæs
Explicit: Béo lof þam laforde þe leofæð on ecnesse æffre buton ánginne on endeleasúm mægenþrymme Amen
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 318-26.
Ker 1957, Art. 62.
(fols 124r/27–126r/30)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Virgins (Cameron B.1.2.48)
Rubric: Plurimar(um) uirginum
Incipit: Simile est regnum celor(um) decem uirginibus...Þe hælend sæde bigspel ilomlice be gehwilce þingum
Explicit: Ðe ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð mid his heofenlice fæder ˥ þam halga gaste on ealrae weorlda weorld Amen
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 327-24.
Ker 1957, Art. 63.
(fols 126r/30–128v/24)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Napier 1883 [1967], no. 46: 'Larspell' (Cameron B.3.4.37)
Rubric: De doctrina s(an)c(t)i Gregorii
Incipit: Men ða leofeste cƿæð sanctus greogori(us). Ic eoƿ halsige on þone drihten
Explicit: God almihtige us to þam fultumige on ecnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Napier 1883, pp. 232–42.
Ker 1957, Art. 64.
Scragg 1992, n. 5, p. 251.
(fols 129r–132r/26)
Ælfric, Letters: Letter to Sigeweard (Cameron B.1.8.4)
Rubric: De ueteri testamento et nouo
Incipit: Đe ælmihtigæ scyppend þa þa he englæs isceop
Explicit: ˥ beð for þi isette hi sigefesta dæda on ðam bocum on bibliothecan gode to ƿurðmente
Language(s): Old English
Crawford 1922, pp. 18-51, ll. 51-834.
Ker 1957, Art. 65.
(fols 132r/26–133r/3)
Wulfstan, The Christian Faith: Baptism (Cameron B.2.2.5)
Rubric: Sermo de baptismate
Incipit: Leofe men ealle cristenu(m) manne is mycel neod þæt heo heora fuluhtes scead ƿitan
Explicit: beo lof. ˥ ƿuldor on ealra ƿeorlda ƿerld á buton ende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Bethurum 1957, n. 8c, pp. 175-84.
Ker 1957, Art. 66.
(fols 133r/4–137v/18)
Ælfric, Letters: First Old English Letter for Wulfstan (Cameron B.1.8.2)
Incipit: Ælfricus abbas Wulfstano uenerabili archiep(iscop)o salutem...Us biscopum dafenað þæt ƿe ða boclican lare
Explicit: þ(æt) ge habban þa mæde þe ure hælend behet þam ðe him þeniæð. Euge serue bone ˥ fidelis quia sup(er) pauca fuisti fidelis supra multa te co[n]stituam intra in gaudiu(m) d(omi)ni tui sequit(ur)
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 67.
(fols 137r/18–140v/24)
Ælfric, Letters: Second Old English Letter for Wulfstan (Cameron B.1.8.3)
Rubric: De s(e)c(un)da ep(isto)la q(u)an(do) diuidis crisma
Incipit: Eal'l'æ ge mæssepreostas mine gebroðre ƿe secgæð eoƿ
Explicit: heo ðreo an god æfre rixiende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 68.
(fols 140v/25–141v/3)
Ælfric, Tracts: De Septiformi Spiritu [Be þam halgan gaste] (Cameron B.1.6.3)
Incipit: Sp(iritu)s s(an)c(tu)s septenaria op(er)atione ...Isayas þe ƿitegæ wrat on his ƿitegunge be ðam halga gaste
Explicit: Be ðissum ðeaƿu(m) monn mæg þone mon tocnawn hƿæðer him godes gaste on ƿunige. oððe þæs gramlichen deofles
Language(s): Old English
Napier 1883, n. 7 and 8, pp. 50, 56-60.
Ker 1957, Art. 69.
(fols 141v/3–143v/12)
Wulfstan, Eschatalogical Homilies: Antichrist (Cameron B.2.1.1)
Rubric: S(e)c(un)d(u)m marcum
Incipit: Interrogatus ie(su)s a discipulis de consummacione s(e)c(u)li dixit eis...Leofa men Ure drihtines apostoli axodon hine sylfne embe þissere ƿeorlde endunge
Explicit: mid þam ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð áá buton ende AMEN

'About 100 English glosses of s. xv are interlined' (Ker, 1957, p. 368).

Language(s): Old English, glosses in Middle English
Bethurum 1957, n. 5, 1b and 4, pp. 134–141, 116–118, 128–133.
Ker 1957, Art. 70.
(fols 143v/12–144v/23)
Wulfstan, Evil Days: Sermo ad Anglos (Cameron B.2.4.2_a)
Rubric: Sermo
Incipit: Leofæn men gecnaƿæð þ(æt) soð is. Ðeos ƿeorld is on ofste
Explicit: þa murhðe þe gad hæfð ígearoƿæd ðam ðe his ƿillan on ƿeorolde ƿurcæð. God ure hælpe AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Bethurum 1957, n. 20, pp. 255-60.
Ker 1957, Art. 71.
(fols 144v/24–146v/16)
Wulfstan, The Christian Faith: An Outline of History (Cameron B.2.2.1)
Rubric: Sermones
Incipit: Leofæ men. Us is deope beboden þ(æt) we geornlice myngian and læran scylan
Explicit: þenne earnige we us ece blisse æt þam ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð a buton ende AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Bethurum 1957, n. 6, pp. 142-56.
Ker 1957, Art. 72.
(fols 146v/16–149v/4)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Dedicatio ecclesiae (Cameron B.1.2.49)
Rubric: Dedicatio ęcclesie
Incipit: Mine gebroþræ þa leofestan ƿe ƿylleð sume drihtenlice spæce
Explicit: mid his icorene halgum mid his almihtigæ fæder. ˥ þam halgu(m) gaste on alre ƿeorldæ ƿeorld AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 335-45.
Ker 1957, Art. 73.
(fols 149v/5–152r/15)
Ælfric, First Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies I]: Dedicatio ecclesiae sancti Michaelis (Cameron B.1.1.36)
Rubric: Dedicacio sancti michaelis
Incipit: Monegum is cuð þeo halige steow s(an)c(t)i michaelis
Explicit: ðe ðe leofað ˥ rixað á on ecnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Ker 1957, Art. 74.
Clemoes 1997, pp. 465–75.
(fols 152r/16–154v/27)
Ælfric, Second Series of Homilies [Catholic Homilies II]: Second Sunday after Epiphany (Cameron B.1.2.5)
Incipit: Nuptie quidem facte sunt in chana galilęę & R(E)L(IQUA). Iohannes þe godspellere cwæð on þam godspellere lare
Explicit: þe þe leofæð ant rixað mid fæder ˥ þam halga gaste á on ecnesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 29-40.
Ker 1957, Art. 75.
(fols 154v/28–30)
Note on the Age of the Virgin (Cameron B.24.16.3)
Incipit: ⟨S⟩ancta maria ƿes ðreo ˥ sixti ƿinter ða heo of middenærde ferde ..
Explicit: ˥ heo ƿes efter him sistene gær on ðissere ƿorlde
Language(s): Old English
Cross and Hill, pp. 80.
Ker 1957, Art. 76.
(fols 155r–158r/15)
Ælfric, Remaining Homilies by Ælfric: Christmas Day (Cameron B.1.5.1)
Incipit: Ala ge broðræ aræreð eoƿre heorte to ðam heofenlice gode
Explicit: þe ðe mid his ece fæder. ˥ mid þam halgæ gaste leofæð ˥ rixæð á on ecenesse AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Skeat 1881-1900, pp. 16-24, ll. 84-242
Belfour 1909, 86/25
Ker 1957, Art. 77.
(fols 158r/16–160r/20)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Belfour no. 10 (Cameron B.3.4.1) Homily for the First Sunday in Lent
Incipit: Men þa leofestæ ƿe ƿullæð eoƿ sæggæn bi þare halgæ tide
Explicit: þa(m) drihtne fultumiende þe ðe leofæð ˥ rixæð áá on ecenesse. AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, pp. 136-43.
Ker 1957, Art. 78.
(fols 160r/21–163r/12)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Belfour no. 11 (Cameron B.3.4.2) Homily for Saturday before the Second Sunday in Lent
Incipit: Men þa leofeste s(an)c(tu)s math(eu)s þe godspellere þe ðis godspel wrat ..
Explicit: mis þa(m) heofenlice kynge. þe leofeð ˥ rixæð on alræ worldæ world AMEN
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, pp. 166-77.
Ker 1957, Art. 79.
(fols 163r/13–164v/34)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Belfour no. 12 (Cameron B.3.4.3) The Transience of Earth Delights
Incipit: Ic eow bidde leofemen þ(æt) sƿa ofte swa ge faren bi ricre monn(æ) burines
Explicit: almihtig drihten leofæð ant rixæð mid alle his halgæn á abuten ende am(en)
Language(s): Old English
Irvine 1993, pp. 197-202.
Ker 1957, Art. 80.
(fols 165ra–165vb/24)
Dialogue in Latin between D(iscipulus) and M(agister) on the Lord’s Prayer
Incipit: Pater noster qui es in celis
Explicit: s(ed) poti(us) lib(er)et nos ab om(n)i malo amen.
Language(s): Latin
Unpublished
Ker 1957, Art. 81.
(fols 165vb/25–166va/10)
Dialogue in Latin between D(iscipulus) and M(agister) on the Creed
Incipit: Credo in deum p(at)rem o(mn)ipotentem creatorem celi
Explicit: Am(en) uero u(er)bu(m) (est) ebraicu(m) q(uoque) latine d(icitu)r uere fidel(ite)r siue fiat. am(en).
Language(s): Latin
Unpublished
Ker 1957, Art. 81.
(fols 166va/25–166vb/19)
Anonymous Homilies [for unspecified occasions, published]: Belfour no. 13: De auaritia (Cameron B.3.4.4) De auaritia
Incipit: Auarus þ(æt) is gytsere on englisc. auaricia is gytsunge
Explicit: þet ne forleost þu næfre unþances
Language(s): Old English
Godden 1979, pp. 238-39.
Ker 1957, Art. 82.
(fols 166vb/20–167v/2)
Ælfric, Homilies of Ælfric: Feria VI in Quarta Ebdomada Quadragesimae (Cameron B.1.4.6, B.1.5.3)
Incipit: Us sægð þeo halige cristes boc. þ(æt) ure hælend c(r)ist arerde þreo men of deaþe
Explicit: sƿa sƿa he dyde ær þurh hi(m) sylfu(m) on his andweardnesse
Language(s): Old English
Pope, I, pp. 319-25, and 326-27.
Ker 1957, Art. 83.
(fols 167v/2–170r/28)
Ælfric, Remaining Homilies by Ælfric: Homily for the Common of a Confessor (Cameron B.1.5.11)
Rubric: De vno (con)fessore
Incipit: Matheus þe godspellere us sæde þis godspel
Explicit: ˥ we sceolon beon gode under ðeode þe alle þing isceop þe þe ane rixæð on ecnesse Amen
Language(s): Old English
Assmann 1889, pp. 49-64.
Ker 1957, Art. 84.
(fol. 170r/29–43)
The Grave (Cameron A.47)
Incipit: ðe wes bold [ . . ] gebyld. er þu iboren were
Explicit: Næle hit nan mit fingres feire stracien

'An early addition' (Ker 1957 p. 368)

Language(s): Old English
Buchholz 1890, pp. 18-19.
Ker 1957, Art. 85.
(fols 170r–170v)
Alan of Lille, Exposition of the Sequence Ad celebres rex celice

Here attributed to Gerbert (Pope Sylvester II).

Rubric: Ad celebres rex celice
Incipit: I(n) p(r)imo nota(n)d(um) q(uod) h(oc) n(ome)n ca(n)ticu(m)
Explicit: Imaginaria (est) illa (con)te(m)pl(aci)o
Language(s): Latin
Poole 1920, pp. 331–35
Ker 1957, art. 89.
(fols 171ra–171va/62)
A sermon, beginning imperfectly
Incipit: alit(er) u(er)o faties d(omin)i
Explicit: i(n)imicor(um) se manifestu(m) d(e)mo(n)str(a)re
Language(s): Latin
Ker 1957, art. 90
(fols 171vb/1–172vb/65)
Hildebert of Le Mans, Sermones de Tempore 4
Incipit: ⟨E⟩Gredemini & uid(e)te filie […] Sic(ut) nemo teste ap(osto)lo nouit q(ue) s(un)t ho(min)is
Explicit: Ibi (con)te(em)plati(v)a uita uisi⟨one⟩
Language(s): Latin
Ker 1957, art. 90

Physical Description

Form: codex
Support: parchment
Extent: v + 205 leaves.
Dimensions (leaf): c. 310 × c. 205 mm.
Foliation:

(foliation in roman and arabic numerals: i-xxxix, 1-167, 169-74. Fol. 168 does not occur in the present foliation. The foliation was inserted in pencil on the top right corner of each folio. Fols vi-xxxix were formerly paginated 1-65. Fol. iii was the pastedown at the end: it is now placed, reversed and upside down, at the beginning. Fol. 173 is a medieval flyleaf. Fols i, ii, iv, v, 174 are post-medieval paper flyleaves.

Collation

fols vi-xxxix, 1-172: 16, wants 3 and 4 after fol. vii, 2 1, singleton, fol. x before which leaves are missing, 3-58, fols xi-xxxiv, 64+1, 1 singleton after 4, fol. xxxix, 78, 1-8, 84, fols 9-12, 9-148, fols 13-60, 154, fols 61-64, 2 and 3 singleton, 16-238, fols 65-128, 248, missing 3 after fol. 130 and 6 after fols 132, 25-26 8, fols 135-150, 274, fols 151-154, 288, fols 155-162, 298 missing 8 after fol. 170, 302. See also for a recent overview of the construction of the manuscripts the discussion in Conti 2011. No signatures. No catchwords.

Condition

The manuscript is in good condition, but the quality of the parchment varies. The Latin texts are written on rather thick material (Quires 3-6), suede-like, the same type of material appears from Quire 15 onwards. Holes appear towards the end of the manuscript, for example, fols 107, 109, 114 and 117-118. Because of the size of the manuscript and the writing frame, there are numerous folios which show uneven margins, and the finishing condition of the material is also dissimilar, see for example, fols 114, 119, 125, 127 and 128.

Layout

fols. vi r–x r: ruled space 240 × 142 mm.

Single frame. Flesh outer. Ruling in brown crayon on both sides of the folio. Single bounding lines. No visible pricking on external margins, but the ruled lines are 9 mm apart within the main frame. Small pricks appear on the top and lower margin to guide the ruling of the vertical bounding lines of the frame. Writing on the first line. See diagram.

fols. xi r–xxxix v: ruled space 240 × 67 mm.

Double columns. Ruling in pencil across the columns, but within the two external bounding lines. Single bounding lines. Small pricks appear on internal margin, near the gutter, and external margins ca. 6 mm apart to guide line ruling still visible, some have been cut prior to binding. Four small pricks appear on the top and lower margin to guide the ruling of the vertical four bounding lines of the columns, which are respectively 70, 9, 70 mm in width. See diagram.

fols. 1r–12/20–64r: ruled space 245 × 148 mm.

Single column. Ruling in pencil within the two external bounding lines. Double bounding lines 10 mm apart. Small pricks appear on the external margins ca. 8 mm apart to guide line ruling still visible, some have been cut prior to binding. Four small pricks, which are still occasionally visible, appear on the top and lower margin to guide the ruling of the vertical bounding line. The first three and last three ruling lines are ruled accross the frame. Fols 13-20 seem to have been pricked internally, bear the gutter. See diagram.

fols. 65r–154v: ruled space 255 × 160 mm.

Single columns. Ruling in pencil within the two external bounding lines. Double bounding lines 6 mm apart. Small pricks appear on the external margins ca. 7 mm apart to guide line ruling still visible, some have been cut prior to binding. Four small pricks appear on the top and lower margin to guide the ruling of the vertical four bounding lines. See diagram.

fols. 155r–170r: ruled space 255 × 160 mm.

Single columns. Ruling in pencil within the two external bounding lines. Double bounding lines 6 mm apart. Small pricks appear on the external and internal margins ca. 7 mm apart to guide line ruling still visible, some have been cut prior to binding. Four small pricks appear on the top and lower margin to guide the ruling of the vertical four bounding lines. See diagram.

fols. 165r–166v: ruled space 238 × 60 mm.

Double columns. Ruling in pencil across the columns, but within the two external bounding lines. Double bounding lines on both side of the column 7 mm apart. Small pricks appear on the external margin ca. 7 mm apart to guide line ruling still visible, some have been cut prior to binding. Seven small pricks appear on the top margin to guide the ruling of the vertical four bounding lines of the columns.

Hand(s)

Two main scribes copy the majority of the manuscript. One hand works on fols vi-xxxix and another fols 1-170 (see also Ker 1957, p. 374-5). However, other hands seem to be at work for example on fols x, 64v and 170r. On linguistic features of the two main English hands see a recent discussion in Dance 2011.

(fols 1–170) Probably in one hand, but there is some change in style after fols 64, 154. A small clear minuscule.

‘a’ is Caroline. ‘d’ is rounded, of the same size and shape as ‘ð’. In Latin ‘d’ is mainly upright. ‘e’ is Caroline. ‘f’ is Caroline. Insular ‘g’ is used for the spirant and caroline ‘g’ for the stop. A diagonal hair-line is attached to the base of Caroline and insular forms of ‘g’. ‘h’ is Caroline ‘r’ is Caroline. ‘s’ is Caroline, but sometimes it descends below the line, especially when doubled and before ‘t’. ‘descenders’ turn to the left, except ‘p’. ‘accents’ are used abundantly on both long and short vowels.

Abbreviation for ‘n’ or ‘m’ is marked by a superscript bar, usually straight but occasionally hooked. ‘cw’ with a superscript bar denotes ‘cwæð’. ‘discipˉlis’ denotes ‘discipulis’. A superscript bar over the ‘t’ in ‘driht’ denotes ‘drihten’. A crossbar through the ascender of ‘h’ in ‘heteȝæ’ denotes ‘heretoȝæ’ A superscript bar over ‘m’ denotes ‘men’. A superscript bar over the ‘c’ in ‘scs’ denotes ‘sanctus’. A crossbar through ‘þ’ denotes ‘þæt’. A hooked ‘d’ is used for ‘de’. The ‘tironian nota’ is used for ‘and’.

(fols vi–xxxix verso) The scribe uses a type of minuscule characteristic of the mid second half of the twelfth century.

The aspect is upright and engrossed. The hand extends below or above the line of writing in a proportionate way. The scribe mixes Caroline and insular letter forms, and a number of gothic features are also present. ‘f’ is insular. ‘g’ is insular. ‘h’ is insular. ‘r’ is insular. ‘s’ is insular. ‘ascenders’ are slightly wedged. ‘descenders’ are occasionally tapered to the left.

(fols x, 64v, 154v and the last two lines of 170.) s. xii/xiii.

Hybrid forms of ‘f’ and ‘F’. Insular ‘g’ is used beside Caroline ‘g’. ‘descenders’ are occasionally tapered to the left. ‘ascenders are slightly wedged.’

Musical Notation:

Music on a four-line stave, fol. x recto, fol. x verso, 64v

Decoration

Initials are mainly red, green, or black. The ornament consists often of red or black circles surrounded by dots. Titles are red or black in the script and hand of the text (Ker 1957, p. 375). Numerous decorated run over words on fols 1-170.

Drawing added, 13th century (?), fol. 173. (Pächt and Alexander iii. 182)

Additions:

Latin annotation: ‘Gaude stirpe regia ... vere dei preciose’ and ‘lib' Gulle(lmo) rotori p(ro) trauayl ii s’, both written in a s. xiii. They appear on (fol. iii), which was originally on the back of the mansucript. The drawing of a bishop on fol. 173 is accompanied by the unexplained inscription ' thn biscopen than wolstane god' in an early thirteenth-century hand.

On fol. 173 there is a drawing of a bishop, perhaps representing Wulfstan with a mitre, probably datable to s. xiii (Madan 1895-1953, p. 354).

Binding

Bound, s. xviii.

Accompanying Material

An old Bodleian shelfmark ‘NE.F.4.12.’ with the leather of the spine, which was cut from the former binding is pasted onto the backcover.

History

Origin: 12th century, second half ; England (origin unknown)

Provenance and Acquisition

It has been suggested that the manuscript has a West Midlands provenance (Ker 1957 p. 375, referring to fols. iii, 173), although Kitson offers the Hereford area as an alternative on the base of some of the dialectal features (for a recent discussion, see Kitson 1992, p. 34 and Wilcox 2008, p. 71 and Conti 2011).

sir Robert Cotton gave 'Catholici Sermones lingua et charactere Saxonico' to the Bodleian in 1601: the writing on the first leaves, but not the rest, could be called 'Saxon'. Wanley 1705, p. 15'.

Record Sources

Adapted (March 2022) with permission from description created for The Production and Use of English Manuscripts 1060 to 1220 by Aidan Conti and Orietta Da Rold with the assistance of Helena Cooper and Hollie Morgan (2010; 2013).

Previously described in the Summary Catalogue (1922).

Digital Images

Digital Bodleian (full digital facsimile)
Digital Bodleian (12 images from 35mm slides)

Bibliography

    Online resources:

    Printed:

    Assmann, Bruno, ed., Angelsächsischen Homilien und Heiligenleben, Bibliotek der angelsächsischen Prosa, 13 (Kassel: Wigand, 1889; repr. 1964)
    Belfour, A. O., ed., Twelfth-Century Homilies in MS. Bodley 343, EETS, OS 118 (London: Kegan Paul Trench Trübner, 1909)
    Bethurum, Dorothy, The Homilies of Wulfstan (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1957)
    Blume, Clemens, and Guido Maria Dreves, eds, Analecta Hymnica Medii Aevi, 55 vols (Leipzig, 1886-1922), vol. 9. 69, no. 83
    ---, eds, Analecta Hymnica Medii Aevi, 55 vols (Leipzig, 1886-1922), vol. 10. 113, no. 151
    Buchholz, R., ed., Die Fragmente der Reden der Seele an den Leichnam, Erlanger Beiträge, 2.6 (Erlangen, 1890)
    Cherry, John Law, and Karl Cherry, Historical Studies Relating Chiefly to Staffordshire (Stafford: J & C. Mory, 1908)
    Clemoes, Peter, ed., Ælfric's Catholic Homilies: The First Series: Text, EETS, SS 17 (London: Oxford University Press, 1997)
    Conti, Aidan, 'The Circulation of the Old English Homily in the Twelfth Century: New Evidence from Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS. Bodley 343', in The Old English Homily: Precedent, Practice, and Appropriation, ed. by Aaron J. Kleist (Turnhout: Brepols, 2007), pp. 365-402
    ---, 'Individual Practice, Common Endeavour: Making Manuscript and Community in the Second Half of the Twelfth Century', New Medieval Literature, 13 (2011), 253-72
    ---, 'Preaching Scripture and Apocrypha: A Previously Unidentified Homilary in an Old English Manuscript, Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Bodley 343' (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Toronto, 2004)
    Crawford, S. J., ed., The Old English Version of the Heptateuch, Ælfric's Treatise on the Old and New Testament, and his Preface to Genesis, EETS, OS 160 (London: Oxford University Press, 1922)
    Cross, J. E., The Prose Solomon and Saturn and Adrian and Ritheus (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1982)
    Dance, Richard, 'Ealde æ, niwæ la3e: Two Words for "Law" in the Twelfth Century', New Medieval Literatures, 13 (2011), 149–82
    Dekkers, Eligius, and Aemilius Gaar, eds, Clavis Patrum Latinorum, Series Latina, 3rd edn (Steenbrug: Brepols, 1995)
    Dolbeau, François, 'A Propos d'un Agraphon: Réflexions sur la Transmission de l'Homilétique Latine Antique, avec Edition du Sermon Sermo Sacerdotis Dei, Classical Philology, 98 (2003), 160-74
    Étaix, R., 'L'Homéliaire Carolingien d'Angers', Révue Bénédictine, 104, no. 148-90 (1994)
    Fehr, Bernard, ed., Die Hirtenbriefe Ælfrics, Bibliothek der angelsächsicschen Prosa, 9 (Hamburg: Henri Grand, 1914; repr. with a supplement to the introduction by Peter Clemoes, Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft, 1966)
    Franzen, Christine, 'On the Attribution of Additions in Oxford, Bodleian MS Bodley 343 to the Tremulous Hand of Worcester', ANQ, 19, no. 1 (2006), 7-8
    Gerould, G. H., 'The Legend of St. Wulfhad and St. Ruffin at Stone Priory', PMLA, 32 (1917), 323-37
    Gneuss, Helmut, 'The Homiliary of the Taunton Fragments', Notes and Queries, 52, no. 4 (2005), 440-42
    Godden, Malcolm, ed., Ælfric's Catholic Homilies: The Second Series; Text, EETS, 5 (London: Oxford University Press, 1979)
    Gretsch, Mechthild, 'The Taunton Fragment: A New Text from Anglo-Saxon England', Anglo-Saxon England, 33 (2004), 145-93
    Hill, Joyce, 'Ælfric's Silent Days', Leeds Studies in English, 16 (1985), 118-25
    Irvine, Susan, 'The Compilation and Use of Manuscripts containing Old English in the Twelfth Century', in Rewriting Old English in the Twelfth Century, ed. by Mary Swan and Elaine M. Treharne (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), pp. 55-60
    ---, ed., Old English Homilies from MS Bodley 343, EETS, OS 302 (Oxford: Published for the Early English Text Society by the Oxford University Press, 1993)
    Ker, N. R., Catalogue of Manuscripts Containing Anglo-Saxon (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1957; repr. 1990), item 310.
    Kitson, Peter, 'Old English dialects and the Stages of Transition to Middle English', folia Linguistica Historica, 11 (1992 for 1990), 27-87
    Laing, Margaret, Catalogue of Sources for a Linguistic Atlas of Early Medieval English (Woodbridge: Brewer, 1993)
    Lambot, C., ed., Sancti Auerlii Augustini, Hipponensis Episcopi, Sermones selecti duodeviginti, Stromata Patristica et Mediaevalia, 1 (Utrecht: Spectrum, 1950)
    Luiselli Fadda, Anna Maria, ed., Nuove Omelie Anglosassoni della Rinascenza Benedettina, Filologia germanica. Testi e studi, 1 (BL. Cleo. B. xii; Firenze: F. Le Monnier, 1977)
    Madan, Falconer, and others, A Summary Catalogue of Western Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1895-1953)
    Mandolfo, C., Eucherii Lugdunensis Forulae spiritalis intelligentiae, Instructionum libri duo, Corpus Christianorum Series Latina, 66 (Turnhout: Brepols, 2004)
    Morin, Germain, ed., Sancti Caesarii Arelatensis Sermones. Pars Altera, Corpus Christianorum, Series Latina, 104 (Turnhout: Brepols, 1953), vol. 1.2
    Napier, A. S., 'Altenglische Kleinigkeiten', Anglia, 11 (1889), 1-10
    ---, ed., History of the Holy Rood-Tree : A Twelfth-century Version of the Cross-legend with Notes on the Orthography of the Orumulum (with a facsimile) and a Middle English Compassio Mariae, EETS, OS 103 (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner, 1894)
    ---, ed., Wulfstan: Sammlung der ihm zugeschriebenen Homilien nebst Untersuchungen uber ihre Echtheit, Sammlung englischer Denkmaeler in Kritischen Ausgaben, 4 (Berlin: Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1883)
    Poole, Reginald Lane, Illustrations of the History of Medieval Thought and Learning (London: Williams & Norgate, 1920)
    Pope, John C., ed., Homilies of Ælfric: A Supplementary Collection, EETS, 259, 260 (London: Oxford University Press, 1967-68)
    Ramsay, Jennifer, 'A Possible "Tremulous Hand" Addition to the Grave in MS Bodley 343', N&Q, 49 (2002), 178-80
    Recio, J. F. R., 'El "Homiliarum gothicum" de la Bibliotheca Capitular de Toledo, homilaro romano del siglo IX/X', Hispania Sacra, 4 (1951), 147-67
    Scragg, D. G., 'The Corpus of Vernacular Homilies and Prose Saints' Lives before Ælfric', Anglo-Saxon England, 8 (1979), 223-77
    ---, ed., The Vercelli Homilies and Related Texts, Early English Text Society, OS 300 (Oxford: Published for the Early English Text Society by the Oxford University Press, 1992)
    Sisam, Celia, 'Early Middle English Drihtin, in Middle English Studies Presented to Norman Davis in Honour of his Seventieth Birthday, ed. by Douglas Gray (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1983), pp. 245-54
    Skeat, W. W., ed., Ælfric’s Lives of Saints, EETS, OS 76, 82, 94, 114 (London and Oxford: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner, 1881-1900; repr. as 2 vols, 1966)
    Swan, Mary, 'Ælfric as Source: The Exploitation of Ælfric's Catholic Homilies from the Late Tenth to Twelfth Centuries' (unpublished doctoral thesis, University of Leeds, 1993)
    ---, 'Ælfric's Catholic Homilies in the Twelfth century', in Rewriting Old English in the Twelfth Century, ed. by Mary Swan and Elaine M. Treharne (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), pp. 62-82
    ---, 'Mobile Libraries: Old English Manuscript Production in Worcester and the West Midlands, 1090-1215', in Essays in Manuscript Geography: Vernacular Manuscripts of the English West Midlands from the Conquest to the Sixteenth Century, ed. by Wendy Scase (Turnhout: Brepols, 2007), pp. 29-42
    Thorpe, B., ed., The Sermones Catholici or Homilies of Ælfric, Ælfric Society, 2 vols (London: Ælfric Society, 1844- 46)
    Treharne, Elaine M., 'The Dates and Origins of Three Twelfth-Century Old English Manuscripts', in Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts and their Heritage, ed. by Philip Pulsiano and Elaine M. Treharne (Aldershot: Ashgate, 1998), pp. 227-53
    Wanley, H., Librorum Veterum Septentrionalium Catalogus (1705)
    Whitelock, Dorothy, ed., Sermo Lupi ad Anglos, 3rd edn (London: Methuen, 1963)
    Wilcox, J., 'Oxford, Bodleian Library, Bodley 343 (2406): Ælfric, "Catholic Homilies", other Homilies', in Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts in Microfiche Facsimile, 17: Homilies by Ælfric and other Homilies (Tempe: Arizona Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, 2008), pp. 71-101

Last Substantive Revision

2025-04-22: Sebastian Dows-Miller. Added locus attributes and elements.