'Ramsay psalter', written in France in the late 13th century for use at Saint Omer, and then in the possession of the Ramsay family of Colluthie

Item

Identifier: Adv.MS.18.8.8

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The contents are as follows:

(i) Calendar in black and red (folio 1) containing several saints of the Saint Omer region but not the relics of St Maxime at Thérouanne. It includes Saints Silvinus (17 February), Omer (8 June, 9 September, 21 October), Bertin (16 July and 5 September), Francis (4 October) and Folquinus (14 December). Saints Denis and Thomas Becket are in red. Obits have been added in later hands for Robert III, James V and various members of the Ramsay family of Colluthie.

(ii) Psalter in the Gallican version (folio 7).

(iii) Canticles (folio 109 verso).

(iv) Litany, including Saints Bavo, Omer, Bertin, Winnoc and Amelburga (folio 118).

(v) Office of the Dead (folio 120).

(vi) The fifteen prayers of St Bridget, followed by three other prayers (folio 124).

There are illuminated capitals in gold, red and blue throughout sections (i) - (v). The ferial divisions of the Psalter and the beginning of psalm 101 (folio 76 verso) are marked by more elaborate initials on gold grounds with animals, birds and grotesques in the margins. Section (vi) is in a 15th-century hand with plain red initials; the two final prayers are a 16th-century addition.

Dates

Creation: Late 13th century.

Extent

1 Volumes (130 folios.)

Language of Materials

Latin

Additional Description

Arrangement

Collation: 1⁸ (-1; 2 pasted down), 2-15⁸, 16⁸ (-6, 7, 8), 17⁸ (7 pasted down; -8). 17-19 11. (23-25 in section vi).

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Vellum. 15th-century binding of stamped leather over wooden boards with clasp.

Custodial History

An early inscription of ownership on folio 60 has been erased, as has an inscription on folio 96. The obits in the calendar record the deaths of Harry and David Ramsay of Colluthie in 1546 and 1541, and the death of Harry Ramsay in 1422 is also noted (folio 62 verso). The inscription `Patrik ramsay is my master` appears on folio 7. Device of Sir James Balfour of Denmilne (folio 130). The manuscript was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1698.