English MS 85

Wycliffe Treatises, end of 14th/beginning of 15th century

Size: 142 x 95 mm, v + 80 + iv folios.

A collection of treatises attributed to John Wycliffe but of doubtful authorship, including: On the Ten Commandments; On the Deadly Sins of Pride and Envy; seven pieces setting out the five wits of body and of soul, the seven spiritual virtues, the seven works of corporal and of spiritual mercy, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven sacraments; an exposition on the Lord's Prayer; The Mirror of Sinners; and the parts of The Pore Caitif known as The Charter of Heaven and The Three Arrows of Doomsday.

There are numerous 2-line initials in blue ink with red penwork flourishes

This manuscript was once part of the library founded in 1684 by Archbishop Thomas Tenison (1636-1715) in the church of St Martin in the Fields, London. Other former owners include Bertram, 4th Earl of Ashburnham (1797-1878) (Appendix no. 27B); and Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928).

Related links

• Catalogue entry for English MS 85
• Conservation report

Manuscript Index