Lambeth Bible
Encyclopedia
The Lambeth Bible is a 12th Century illuminated manuscript
(probable date 1150-1170) considered to be among the finest surviving giant bible
s from Romanesque England. It exists in two volumes. The first volume exists in the Lambeth Palace
library (MS3) and covers Genesis to Job
and is 328 pages of vellum
measuring 518 x 353 mm. Originally this first volume was paired with another volume (MS4) in the Lambeth Palace Library but in 1924 it was realised that the correct pairing was with a second incomplete volume now held in the Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery
(MS P.5).
The history of the bible is shrouded in mystery. The hand of the illustrator is found in a Gospel Book made for Liessies Abbey
before 1147. By 1538 the bible was apparently in Lenham
(family events were recorded at the end). Dorothy Shepard posits that before this the bible would have resided in St Augustine's Abbey
(the parish of Lenham is linked to this abbey). However in the surviving records from this abbey there is no reference to a bible with the correct volume split. Christopher de Hamel instead links the bible to Faversham Abbey
(also close to Lenham) and claims that it was being produced for King Stephen
. His claim is supported by the regal illuminations in the bible and the short period between 1147 (the time the illustrator was in France) and 1154 (King Stephen's death) would explain why the bible remained incomplete.
Illuminated manuscript
An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations...
(probable date 1150-1170) considered to be among the finest surviving giant bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
s from Romanesque England. It exists in two volumes. The first volume exists in the Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. It is located in Lambeth, on the south bank of the River Thames a short distance upstream of the Palace of Westminster on the opposite shore. It was acquired by the archbishopric around 1200...
library (MS3) and covers Genesis to Job
Book of Job
The Book of Job , commonly referred to simply as Job, is one of the books of the Hebrew Bible. It relates the story of Job, his trials at the hands of Satan, his discussions with friends on the origins and nature of his suffering, his challenge to God, and finally a response from God. The book is a...
and is 328 pages of vellum
Vellum
Vellum is mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on, to produce single pages, scrolls, codices or books. It is generally smooth and durable, although there are great variations depending on preparation, the quality of the skin and the type of animal used...
measuring 518 x 353 mm. Originally this first volume was paired with another volume (MS4) in the Lambeth Palace Library but in 1924 it was realised that the correct pairing was with a second incomplete volume now held in the Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery
Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery is in Maidstone, Kent, England. It is located on St. Faith's Street, opposite Fremlin Walk, a new shopping centre in the region.- Overview :...
(MS P.5).
The history of the bible is shrouded in mystery. The hand of the illustrator is found in a Gospel Book made for Liessies Abbey
Liessies Abbey
Liessies Abbey was a Benedictine monastery in the village of Liessies, near Avesnes-sur-Helpe, in the Archdiocese of Cambrai and the département of Nord, France.-First foundation:...
before 1147. By 1538 the bible was apparently in Lenham
Lenham
Lenham is a market village in Kent situated on the southern edge of the North Downs, halfway between Maidstone and Ashford. The picturesque square in the village has two public houses , a couple of restaurants, and a tea-room....
(family events were recorded at the end). Dorothy Shepard posits that before this the bible would have resided in St Augustine's Abbey
St Augustine's Abbey
St Augustine's Abbey was a Benedictine abbey in Canterbury, Kent, England.-Early history:In 597 Saint Augustine arrived in England, having been sent by Pope Gregory I, on what might nowadays be called a revival mission. The King of Kent at this time was Æthelberht, who happened to be married to a...
(the parish of Lenham is linked to this abbey). However in the surviving records from this abbey there is no reference to a bible with the correct volume split. Christopher de Hamel instead links the bible to Faversham Abbey
Faversham Abbey
Faversham Abbey was a Cluny style monastery immediately to the north-east of the town of Faversham in the county of Kent in England.It was founded by King Stephen and his queen Matilda of Boulogne in 1148. A party of monks from Bermondsey Abbey provided the nucleus and the first abbot.The Abbey was...
(also close to Lenham) and claims that it was being produced for King Stephen
Stephen of England
Stephen , often referred to as Stephen of Blois , was a grandson of William the Conqueror. He was King of England from 1135 to his death, and also the Count of Boulogne by right of his wife. Stephen's reign was marked by the Anarchy, a civil war with his cousin and rival, the Empress Matilda...
. His claim is supported by the regal illuminations in the bible and the short period between 1147 (the time the illustrator was in France) and 1154 (King Stephen's death) would explain why the bible remained incomplete.