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Massey Manuscripts

 Collection

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Miscellaneous manuscripts collected by Massey, mainly historical (17th century) and literary (15th-17th century). Includes:

  1. (MS. Bodl. 175) Transcript of 24 Chester Mystery plays written in 1604. The last performance of the plays is believed to have been in 1575.
  2. (MSS. Bodl. 322-329) The original register of the proceedings of the Committee for Plundered Ministers. Seven volumes are arranged by county and cover July 1645 - Dec. 1646, Oct. 1647 - Apr. 1653. One volume (MS. Bodl. 324) is arranged chronologically and covers Oct. 1646 - Apr. 1647.

Dates

  • Creation: 15th-17th century

Extent

1.54 Linear metres (14 boxes)

Language of Materials

  • English
  • Latin
  • Italian

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Bodl. 175, fols. 1-2].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Bodl. 175, 221-222, 322-329, 492, 574, 576

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 13219

Abstract

Miscellaneous manuscripts collected by Richard Middleton Massey, 15th-17th century.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Middleton Massey, MA, of Brasenose College (1678-1743; FSA 1718, FRS 1712), was at one time under-keeper of the Ashmolean Museum. After leaving the Museum he later went on to practice medicine.

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, nos. 27619-27632.

Our best descriptions for medieval items in this collection are in Medieval Manuscripts in Oxford Libraries under MSS. Bodl..

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The manuscripts were given to the Library by Massey in 1710.

Related Materials

Among the manuscripts given by Massey to the Library was also a Register of ministers which is now MS. Rawl. D. 711.

Title
Massey Manuscripts
Status
Published
Author
Collection Level Description by Emily Tarrant; EAD version 2020 by Pauline Soum-Paris
Date
EAD version 2020
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom