Add MS 81278

The Otterton Cartulary: cartulary of Otterton Priory, co. Devon, begun for Prior Geoffrey Legat (fl. 1259-1264) (p. 17); 1260, with additions. Latin. Comprises: a kalendar (pp. 5-16); a custumary, rentals and extracts from Domesday Book (pp. 17-43); and a cartulary of royal, episcopal and lay grants (pp. 45-93). Interspersed with miscellaneous material, including the bounds of Budleigh and Otterton, temp. Henry VIII (following p. 93). The manor of Otterton was granted to the monks of Mont-Saint-Michel by King William I of England (1066-87). The priory was founded by King John (1199-1216), suppressed in 1414, and subsequently granted to Syon Abbey, co. Midd. See G. R. C. Davis, Medieval Cartularies of Great Britain: A Short Catalogue (1958), no. 737; George Oliver, Monasticon Diocesis Exoniensis ... (Exeter, 1846), pp. 249-259. Documents relating to the history of the cartulary are Additional MS. 81279. Owned by John Anstis (d.1744); Revd. D. Yonge; Francis George Coleridge (d.1854) and his descendants. Signed repeatedly by Edmond Edwards (fl.1754), Richard Lane, Richard Paull, Edward Smith and others. Deposited by Lord Coleridge of Ottery St Mary at the Devon Record Office, Exeter (TD.42). Purchased through Quaritch, 29 Nov. 2005.

Vellum (one paper leaf following p. 93); ff. 48 (17th century pagination ‘1-93’). Wants leaves throughout, some mutilation (e.g. pp. '41-42'). 232 × 165 mm (written space 154 × 114 mm). Medieval binding, sewn on four cords, with a leather chemise and the remains of a pin-and-strap fastening on the upper board. Title ‘Ouerton Custumale’ on lower chemise. 20^th-cent. red leather cover.