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University College London

Grágás (Icelandic legal code)

IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0103 MS ICELANDIC 1

Held at: University College London

Title: Grágás (Icelandic legal code)

Date(s): 18th century

Level of description: Collection (fonds)

Extent: 1 volume containing 156 leaves

Name of creator(s): Unknown

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

Grágás consituted the legal code of medieval Iceland. It was memorized and proclaimed at annual meetings of the national assembly. From the early 12th century scribes made written records of these older laws. Among these manuscripts of medieval Icelandic laws are two known collectively as Grágás (Grey Goose), a title of uncertain origin.

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

Manuscript volume, 18th century, containing Grágás (Laws of the Icelandic Commonwealth).

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: Icelandic. Minuscule hand.

System of arrangement:

Conditions governing access:

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Normal copyright restrictions apply.

Physical characteristics:

Paper manuscript bound in vellum. 20cm.

Finding aids:

Dorothy K Coveney, A Descriptive Catalogue of Manuscripts in the Library of University College London (London, 1935); handlist at University College London Special Collections.

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:

Accruals:

Archival history:

Pressmarks: 130 D 19; 137 G 18. Initials WPK on flyleaf (Professor W P Ker, 1855-1923, Professor of English). The flyleaf also bears the name Jón Erlendsson, perhaps a former owner. Part of the collection formed by John Daulby whilst in Iceland.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Part of the Daulby-Roscoe Collection presented to University College London by Mrs William Caldwell Roscoe.

ALLIED MATERIALS

Existence and location of originals:

The text agrees with the printed edition, Vihjalmur Finsen, Grágás islaendernes Lovbog i Fristatens Tid (Kjobenhavn, 1852), which suggests that this is a copy of the Konúngsbók (part of the Grágás). Many such copies were made in the 18th century.

Existence and location of copies:

Related material:

Publication note:

DESCRIPTION NOTES

Note:

Archivist's note: Source: website http://www.umanitoba.ca/publications/uofmpress/gragas.html. Compiled by Rachel Kemsley as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.