Kings MS 420

'STATUTA clarissimi ordinis Velleris Aurei e Galico in Latinum versa, subiunctis additionibus et declarationibus nonnullis per eiusdem ordinis Supremos et Proceres successiue editis': the statutes of the order of the Golden Fleece founded by Philip, Duke of Burgundy, in 1429. The original statutes are dated 27 Nov. 1431, and the appendix (f. 32), which is in thirteen chapters, ends with ordinances of Charles V made at Tournai in 1531. At this chapter orders were given (see Reiffenberg, Hist de l'Ordre de la Toison d' Or, 1830, pp. 383-385) for new copies of the statutes to be issued to the knights, and to be returned at their death. This may be one of the copies then made. The translation in the printed statutes (Plantin, Antwerp, 1558 ?, 1560) is different. For earlier forms (15th cent.) see Harley MS. 6199 and Cotton MS. Cleopatra B. III, ff. 80-111.

Vellum; ff. 40. 7 in. x 4⁷/₈ in. Circ. A.D. 1532. In an italic hand, with capitals in gold on red or blue, and with border of renaissanceornament (of poor quality) and ornamental initial at the beginning (f. 4). Blue morocco binding (18th cent.).