Claudius Pontificals facts for kids
The Claudius Pontificals are a special collection of old books kept in the British Library. They are part of a larger manuscript called Cotton Claudius A.iii. These books are called pontificals because they contain the rules and ceremonies that bishops used to perform, especially for important events like the coronation of kings.
There are three main parts to the Claudius Pontificals. The first two parts were written in the 11th century, and the third part was created in the 12th century.
Contents
What are the Claudius Pontificals?
The Claudius Pontificals are like ancient instruction manuals for bishops. They contain the exact words and actions needed for different religious services. The most famous part of these books is the detailed guide for crowning kings. Imagine a step-by-step guide for a royal coronation – that's what these books provided!
Inside These Ancient Books
The collection is made up of different sections, each with its own history and purpose.
Pontifical I: The Oldest Part
This part was created in the early 11th century. It was once owned by a person named Wulfstan, who died in 1023. This section also includes special prayers and confirmations related to kings like Æthelred II and Edward the Confessor. A note in the book says it was bound (put together) thanks to someone named Thureth.
Pontifical II: Mid-Century Ceremonies
This section was written around the middle of the 11th century. It contains something called the "Second Anglo-Saxon Ordo." An Ordo is like a detailed plan or order of service for ceremonies. This part would have guided bishops through various important religious events.
Pontifical III: King Henry I's Coronation
This is a very interesting part, created in the early to mid-12th century. It includes the "Third English Coronation Order," which describes the coronation ceremony for King Henry I. He was crowned on August 5, 1100. The image at the top of this page, showing Henry I's coronation, comes from this very section of the book!
The King's Promise: A Special Oath
One important page in the manuscript (page 7) contains the original Latin words for the coronation oath that English kings had to take. This oath was a promise the king made to his people and to God when he was crowned. A later note on the page suggests this specific oath was used for the coronation of Æthelred II in the year 978.
