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Roll chronicle

Reference code
MSS/0501
Title
Roll chronicle
Date
mid 15th century and c. 1665
Level of description
item
Extent and format
Two vellum rolls.
17 + 3 membranes (later addition).
1245 x 58cm + 192.5 x 58cm
Scope and content
Genealogical chronicle showing Christ's descent from Adam and the succession of the kings of England, popes, and kings and emperors of France. In two parts, the earlier (mid 15th century) cut away at 1264, the later continued to 1665. The earlier roll is headed by an introduction based on Peter of Poitiers and followed by other texts (see Ker, MMBL, I (1969), 313). Against the year of incarnation on the left is a word of the mnemonic verses 'Cinxit blandus adhoc gilibertus..', recommencing at 532 and 1064; another set of verses 'Ciccine blandus amor..' runs from the roundel containing Joachim's name to the birth of Christ (Walther, no. 2790). Six tinted drawings in roundels, attributed by Scott (see below) to William Abell, showing Adam and Eve and the serpent; Noah and the Ark; the sacrifice of Isaac; David; Zedekiah; and the Nativity. Numerous small figures of kings and other historical figures. Includes the arms of the nine worthies. Three later insertions of the arms of Rollo, 1st Duke of Normandy, and the arms of Portugal and England. The lower portion of the roll, added c. 1665, carries the descent from Edw. I to Chas. II. At this time the coats of arms appear to have been added and royal badges. See K. L. Scott, Later Gothic Manuscripts 1390-1490, Survey of Manuscripts Illuminated in the British Isles, VI (1996), no. 95, ills. 369, 370
Previous reference number(s)
SAL/MS/501
Archival history
?Presented by George Rogers, FSA, 17 March 1803. See Minute Book XXIX, p.443. Archaeologia, 14 (1803), 291.
Conditions governing access
The roll has been digitised and can be viewed at https://www.sal.org.uk/collections/explore-our-collections/collections-highlights/roll-chronicle/ (click on 'View main roll' or 'View additional fragment' in the top right corner).

We encourage use of digital surrogates for research in order to protect the items in our care. If you would like to consult the physical manuscript for a specific reason, please contact the Archivist.

However, the roll chronicle can only be consulted under exceptional circumstances due to its size. Please contact the archive with as much notice as possible.