Medieval scroll found in shoebox goes on display
A rare medieval illuminated manuscript uncovered in the archive of a York convent is going on display for the very first time.
The 15th-century Arma Christi was found in a shoebox filled with leaflets from the 1980s at Bar Convent, by Dr Hannah Thomas, while she was cataloguing the religious order's collection.
The scroll is set to become "the jewel in the crown" of the new Treasures gallery when it opens at the Living Heritage Centre this weekend.
"You think maybe you've seen all the bits of York. This is a whole new bit that you haven't yet seen," said Dr Thomas.
The manuscript, thought to date from about 1475, is one of only 11 copies known to have survived.
Adorned with hand-drawn figures and ornate calligraphy, it features the prayer poem O Vernicle - with response texts written in red after each verse.
Dr Thomas, the special collections manager, believes the response texts make it unique from other versions "suggesting it was used by groups or families as they gathered together for prayers in the home" - in communal worship, as well as private prayer.
Additionally, it is written in English instead of the more traditional Latin, which means it probably would have belonged to a wealthy family rather than a church, she adds.
Dr Thomas said the manuscript is in "incredible" condition compared to the other 10 that exist in the world, in places such as the Bodleian Library in Oxford, the British Library in London and Huntington Library in California.
"Because it's not been unrolled very often, the images are a lot more clearly preserved. You can see a lot more of the detail," she said.
"It's hugely important for the convent," she adds, "so people understand the role this building has played".
"York's well-known for its medieval history - I think to have an extra unknown element to that is really special.
"People come to visit a lot - and you think maybe you've seen all the bits of York. This is a whole new bit that you haven't yet seen."
Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Rare medieval manuscript found in convent shoebox
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