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Senate House Library, University of London

Fragments of the Decretum Gratiani, 14th century

IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0096 MS 555

Held at: Senate House Library, University of London

Title: Fragments of the Decretum Gratiani, 14th century

Date(s): 14th century

Level of description: Collection (fonds)

Extent: 2 leaves

Name of creator(s): Unknown

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

Very little is known about Johannes Gratian, who was born in Italy, possibly in Chiusi, Tuscany. He became a Camaldolese monk, and taught at Bologna. At a date some time after 1139 (probably 1140), Gratian compiled the Church laws (`canons') from all available sources and called the collection Concordia Discordantium Canonum (the harmonizing of discordant canons). The collection became known as the Decretum Gratiani. He died before 1179, some say as early as 1160. Although the Dectretum was not an official collection, it was, for a time and for all practical purposes, accepted as the fundamental text of Church law.

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

Two leaves, formerly used as pastedowns, containing part of Gratian's Decretum, namely Distinctio IV, 9-21 and 99-118, of part III, on baptism. With a glossary, the sections of which are preceded by latters in alphabetical sequence. There are 16th century additions, including a whole alphabet.

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: Latin. Later additions are in a 16th century secretary hand.

System of arrangement:

Single item.

Conditions governing access:

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.

Physical characteristics:

13" x 9". Initials in blue with red ornament, those for the glossary are 2-line; red and blue capitals; running heading in red and blue; rubricated.

Finding aids:

Collection level description.

Detailed catalogue

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:

Accruals:

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

Bought from Mr.J.H.P.Pafford, in 1962.

ALLIED MATERIALS

Existence and location of originals:

Existence and location of copies:

Related material:

Publication note:

DESCRIPTION NOTES

Note:

Archivist's note: Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.