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'The Clensyng of Mannes Sowle', a devotional treatise or Penitential in three parts, written late in the 14th century in England

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MS. Bodl. 923
Held at the Weston Library

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'The Clensyng of Mannes Sowle' (fol. 5) a devotional treatise or Penitential in three parts, each of seven chapters, 'of Contricion' (fol. 5v), 'of Confession' (fol. 38v), and 'of Satisfaction' (fol. 115v): with a preface and table of contents. The pref. beg. 'In the name of our Lord ... I purpos to write a few wordes of the sacrament of penaunce': text beg. 'Lauamini & mundi estote. Beth wasch and beth clene. A gracious medycine and conseil.' At fol. 145v is a reference to 'The Chastising of Goddes children'.

The indirect connexion of this work with Chaucer's Parson's Tale is pointed out by Mr. M.H. Liddell in his contribution to the Furnivall Memorial volume (1900).

Dates

  • Creation: written late in the 14th century in England

Extent

154 Leaves

Language of Materials

  • English

Shelfmark

MS. Bodl. 923

Other Finding Aids

Falconer Madan, et al., A summary catalogue of western manuscripts in the Bodleian Library at Oxford which have not hitherto been catalogued in the Quarto series (7 vols. in 8 [vol. II in 2 parts], Oxford, 1895-1953; reprinted, with corrections in vols. I and VII, Munich, 1980), vol. V, no. 27701.

Custodial History

'Anno domini 1401', 'Iste liber constat Sibille de Felton abbatisse de Berkyng': she was abbess from 1394 to 1419. 'William Walker' (late 17th century).

Related Materials

See MS. Rawl. C. 57.

Physical Facet

On parchment, with an illuminated border, capitals, etc.

Dimensions

7 3/4 × 5 5/8 in.

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

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Weston Library
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Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom