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Illuminated border and initial from BL Arundel 99, f. 1

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Illuminated border and initial from BL Arundel 99, f. 1

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Summary

Illuminated border and initial 'O', with various flowers and a small dog (?) with a collar in the center border. Image taken from f. 1 of Troy book, imperfect (translated from the Latin of Guido de Columna). Written in English.

The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (1585-1646). Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel, who was a prominent figure during the early 17th century in England. Thomas Howard enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles I, and this connection allowed him to expand his collection. The king was granting him privileges to purchase manuscripts and books, and the collection grew in size and importance.

The English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I had a significant impact on Thomas Howard's life. During the war and the Commonwealth period, his collection faced threats of dispersion and destruction. Howard managed to protect many of his books and manuscripts by sending them abroad for safekeeping. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the collection was returned to the Howard family.

Fremund was the son of a pagan king who reigned in England, named Offa. Offa was baptized, performed many miracles, converted his parents, and resigned his kingdom to his son. Danes, Hinguar and his brother, Hubba ravage England and put King Edmund to death. Offa sends twenty nobles to seek his son, and, finding him, they implore his aid, and he assents in consequence of a vision in which it is revealed that each of his companions shall appear a thousand to his enemies. He attacks and defeats 40,000 of the enemy with the twenty who have come to seek him, in addition to his two companions. In a great battle at Radford Semele, while he is prostrate in thanksgiving for the victory, Oswi, formerly one of Offa's commanders who had apostatized and joined the pagans, cuts off his head. Blood spurts over Oswi, who implores absolution and forgiveness, which the head pronounces. Fremund rises and carries his head some distance, when, a spring bursting forth, he washes his wound, falls prostrate and expires.

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Date

1300 - 1500
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Source

British Library
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Copyright info

Public Domain

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