The Cover of a Breviary between the years 1202 and 1231. Engraved by WC Edwards

The Cover of a Breviary between the years 1202 and 1231. Engraved by WC Edwards

The Cover of a Breviary very richly ornamented and containing fourteen figures. In the centre is the Virgin throned with the infant Jesus on her lap. The other figures are explained by the legend on the border to be the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the four Evangelists with the heads of their emblematic Animals. St Berthold, St Nicolas, St Oswald and St Martin; and personifications of Virginity and Humility. The flowing pattern is worked in gold wire, the interstices being filled up with enamel. A memorial at the end of the volume appears to fix the date of the transcription between the years 1202 and 1231. Engraved by WC Edwards