Longleat House MS 30

It is pasted with the engraved bookplate of Thomas Thynne, 1st Viscount Weymouth, dated 1704. The main scribe of the 54 folios written on parchment has been identified as the Dutch-born Theodericus Werken, who made manuscripts for English clients in mainland Europe before becoming settled in England by 1450.

Most striking among the texts is an illuminated version of the verse poem ‘O Vernicle’, which is illustrated with two major half-page miniatures attributed to one artist and 23 smaller miniatures by a second artist. The two half-page miniatures, painted in gold and coloured pigments, illustrate Veronica’s Veil and Christ as Man of Sorrows. In both portraits Christ has a noticeably long face, a notable feature of the artist.

The accompanying texts are framed by arched borders and floral decoration. The smaller miniatures are attributable to a second artist, most probably from the same English workshop. Among the verses by named authors are those by Richard Caister, John Lydgate and Richard Maidstone. Other texts in later hands, datable to the very early 16th century, have been added towards the end of the volume.

Longleat House MS 30 joins the internationally important collection of illuminated manuscripts at the British Library, where more detailed analysis could deepen the understanding of its production, its ownership, its artists and the context in which it was made.