GB 0096 MS 555 - Fragments of the Decretum Gratiani, 14th century

Identity area

Reference code

GB 0096 MS 555

Title

Fragments of the Decretum Gratiani, 14th century

Date(s)

  • 14th century (Creation)

Level of description

Extent and medium

2 leaves

Context area

Name of creator

Biographical history

Very little is known about Johannes Gratian, who was born in Italy, possibly in Chiusi, Tuscany. He became a Camaldolese monk, and taught at Bologna. At a date some time after 1139 (probably 1140), Gratian compiled the Church laws (`canons') from all available sources and called the collection Concordia Discordantium Canonum (the harmonizing of discordant canons). The collection became known as the Decretum Gratiani. He died before 1179, some say as early as 1160. Although the Dectretum was not an official collection, it was, for a time and for all practical purposes, accepted as the fundamental text of Church law.

Archival history

GB 0096 MS 555 14th century Collection (fonds) 2 leaves Unknown
Very little is known about Johannes Gratian, who was born in Italy, possibly in Chiusi, Tuscany. He became a Camaldolese monk, and taught at Bologna. At a date some time after 1139 (probably 1140), Gratian compiled the Church laws (`canons') from all available sources and called the collection Concordia Discordantium Canonum (the harmonizing of discordant canons). The collection became known as the Decretum Gratiani. He died before 1179, some say as early as 1160. Although the Dectretum was not an official collection, it was, for a time and for all practical purposes, accepted as the fundamental text of Church law.

Bought from Mr.J.H.P.Pafford, in 1962.

Two leaves, formerly used as pastedowns, containing part of Gratian's Decretum, namely Distinctio IV, 9-21 and 99-118, of part III, on baptism. With a glossary, the sections of which are preceded by latters in alphabetical sequence. There are 16th century additions, including a whole alphabet.

Single item.

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.
Latin. Later additions are in a 16th century secretary hand.
13" x 9". Initials in blue with red ornament, those for the glossary are 2-line; red and blue capitals; running heading in red and blue; rubricated.

Collection level description.

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project. Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. Sep 2001 Canon law Gratian , Johannes , fl 1130-1160 , monk and writer on canon law Law Legal systems Religious doctrines Religious texts Theology

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Bought from Mr.J.H.P.Pafford, in 1962.

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Two leaves, formerly used as pastedowns, containing part of Gratian's Decretum, namely Distinctio IV, 9-21 and 99-118, of part III, on baptism. With a glossary, the sections of which are preceded by latters in alphabetical sequence. There are 16th century additions, including a whole alphabet.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Single item.

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Conditions governing reproduction

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

  • Latin

Language and script notes

Latin. Later additions are in a 16th century secretary hand.

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Collection level description.

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

Related descriptions

Publication note

Notes area

Note

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

Subject access points

Place access points

Name access points

Genre access points

Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Senate House Library, University of London

Rules and/or conventions used

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

Status

Level of detail

Dates of creation revision deletion

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

    Sources

    Accession area