| Content Description | Volume containing the text of Gower's English poem 'Confessio Amantis' (ff 1r-200v), followed by his French work 'Traitié pour essampler les amantz marietz' (ff.201r-203v) together with accompanying Latin verses, and the Latin text 'Carmen super multiplici viciourum pestilencia' (ff.204r-205v).
The texts are described separately, under WLC/LM/8, ff.1-200, WLC/LM/8, ff.201-203 and WLC/LM/8, ff.203v-205.
The volume is written in double columns of 46 lines of verse. The quires sometimes retain contemporary numeration. Latin headings and commentaries are in red. Spaces were left for decoration which was never executed, including capitals and other illumination at the beginning of paragraphs and at the start of each book, and a miniature at the top of folio 1r. There are some later scribbles and pen drawings covering blemishes in the parchment.
The Willoughby family's early ownership of the manuscript is indicated by the note in a 16th century hand, 'By me henrye Willoughbye', at the foot of folio 16r.
Dating is based on the most recent catalogue description: first half of the 15th century, with evidence relating to book production suggesting a likely date of c.1425 (Reference: The Wollaton Medieval Manuscripts) |
| Publication Note | Reference: Historical Manuscripts Commission, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton Preserved at Wollaton Hall, Nottinghamshire, compiled by W.H. Stevenson (London, 1911), p. 236; Image and Text, p.[7]; The Wollaton Medieval Manuscripts |