National Library of Scotland Digitises 240 Medieval Manuscripts

I sometimes gripe about modern technology, but it has its good points!

From Medievalist.net

The National Library of Scotland has digitised a collection of more than 240 precious manuscripts, many with Scottish origins ranging from the 9th to the 16th century. The collection also includes volumes produced in England, France, Italy and northwest Europe, as well as Greece and Iceland. Many of these are finely decorated or of major textual significance.

12th-century manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar – image courtesy National Library of Scotland

“This fascinating digitised collection is international in origin, though a large part of the volumes were written in Scotland,” says Ulrike Hogg, the Manuscripts Curator of the National Library of Scotland. “The survival rate of medieval Scottish manuscript volumes is generally low. For example, only one per cent of religious manuscripts of Roman Catholic use – many of which were systematically destroyed during and after the Scottish Reformation – are believed to still be in existence.

“It is difficult to estimate how many cultural treasures were lost during these times. The collection presented here includes a number of those fortunate survivors that have endured subsequent centuries. We’re delighted to make these extremely rare pieces of history publicly accessible online.”

15th-century folded medical/zodiac almanac – image courtesy National Library of Scotland

The collection includes:

• A 15th-century folded medical/zodiac almanac, which probably belonged to a doctor based in northern England. Folded up, it could be worn on the belt
• A selection of historical doodles showing rich period detail
• A 12th-century manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar order, including advice on the ‘superfluity’ of beards and moustaches
• A 15th-century psalter written and illuminated at Culross Abbey, Fife
• A tiny 15th-century Book of Hours from Italy with lavish gold illumination
• An early 16th-century manuscript written and illuminated in Dunkeld

“The digital images provide a new opportunity to gain some insight into medieval Scottish book production,” adds Dr Hogg. The interests, tastes and knowledge of medieval scribes can be seen in these images, as well as the development of the medieval Scottish book hand and styles of illumination. The collection reveals much information on later owners of the manuscripts, who annotated them or added irreverent doodles as the volumes passed through their hands.”

Click here to view the Early Manuscripts section of the National Library of Scotland

15th-century Book of Hours – image courtesy National Library of Scotland

This 15th-century psalter was written and illuminated at Culross Abbey, Fife. Within the initial B that begins the first Psalm, there is an illustration of King David playing the harp. The particularly vibrant colour combinations seem a common feature in Scottish illumination at this time. Image courtesy National Library of Scotland

This tiny portable 15th-century Book of Hours is written on very fine vellum and beautifully illuminated. Pictures of saints appear in golden initials, and there are some larger illustrations. Image courtesy National Library of Scotland