A composite volume of six parts: (A) f.2-3; (B) f.5-80; (C)
f.81-138; (D) f.139-166; (E) f.167-202; (F) f.203-213 (plus fly-
and endleaves (f.1, 4, and 214-217). While their initial
independence is demonstrated by their individual sets of quire
signatures, (B)-(E) are linked by a common scribe. That (E) was
joined to (D) by the early 13th century is demonstrated by the
addition of a prefatory text for the former onto the final page of
the latter, and it seems probable that (B)-(E) plus the flyleaves
f.1 and 4 were all together by mid 13th century when the Durham ex
libris was added to 1r. That the endleaves were joined to (F) by
mid 13th century is suggested by the addition to them of a tabula
complementing that within (F). (B)-(F) plus the flyleaves f.1 and 4
were certainly together by 14th century (shown by list of contents
on f.1r). The date at which the fragmentary (A) joined the volume
is unclear: while the final leaf of (F) has faint traces of the
same stains from a former binding as mark the endleaves
(f.214-217), (A) does not share the holes made by former metalwork
in the leaves to either side of it (f.1 and 4), suggesting that it
has not been in its present position for very long.
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Provided by Durham Priory Library Project - a collaboration between Durham University and Durham Cathedral
