Published by Primary Source Microfilm

This invaluable collection features the most important historical volumes from the vast medieval manuscript holdings of Cambridge University Library.

Land, law, politics and religion are major themes documented by these manuscripts, which include an extensive selection of chronicles and contemporary histories illuminating the Middle Ages. The examination of one particular volume demonstrates the range of this rich collection. "Dd III 53," for example, is a Formulary or Book of Precedents "of such Grants, Warrants, and Letters as were accustomed to pass the Signet Office," and was probably drawn up for the use of the Keeper of the Privy Seal. Written in the reign of Richard II, it includes warrants from the King to his Chancellor; a treaty concluded with the "Hanztowns;" and documents dealing with Church lands, manorial estates, appointments, horses and running dogs, presents of falcons, European trade and defense of the Kingdom.

Chronicles of great historical and literary value--including several from the personal library of Matthew Parker--are also featured in this diverse collection. There are varying examples of Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of Britain and Ranulph Higden's Polychronicon, as well as the Cronica Fratris Martini Poloni and Gesta Machometi Trojanorum. Also here is John Capgrave's Chronicle from the Creation to 1417, the Chronicon Abindon by R. Gisburnum for 1216-1307, an extremely interesting Kalender of the years 1219-1256 as well as a history of the Dukes of Normandy, La Geste de France, and a brief sketch of the kings of England from William I to Richard I.

Part One: Manuscripts Dd-Gg
18 reels

Part Two: Manuscripts Hh-Oo and Additional
21 reels

Complete Collection: 39 reels