Genealogies from Jesus College MS 20 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Genealogies from Jesus College MS 20 |
|
|---|---|
| Author(s) | anonymous |
| Language | Middle Welsh |
| Manuscript(s) | Oxford, Bodleian Library, Jesus College, MS. 20, folios 33r–41r |
| Genre | genealogical collection |
The Jesus College MS 20 genealogies are old Welsh records. They list the family trees of important Welsh rulers. These records are found in a special book. This book is kept at Jesus College in Oxford University. It is known as MS 20.
The book was put together in the late 1300s. But many of the family trees are much older. They include famous leaders like Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (who died in 1240). Another leader mentioned is Rhys Gryg (who died in 1234). These records help us learn about medieval Welsh history.
Contents
What Are Genealogies?
Genealogies are like family trees. They show how people are related. They list ancestors, going back many generations. In medieval times, these records were very important. They proved who had the right to rule. They also showed family connections between powerful groups.
Why Were They Important in Wales?
In medieval Wales, family lines were key. They decided who inherited land. They also showed who could be a leader. These genealogies helped keep track of royal families. They especially focused on rulers in southern Wales.
The Jesus College Manuscript
The records are found in a single manuscript. A manuscript is a handwritten book. This one is called Jesus College MS 20. It is stored in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. The genealogies are on specific pages. These pages are from 33r to 41r.
How Old Are These Records?
The book itself was written in the late 1300s. But the information inside is older. Some parts might be from the 1100s or 1200s. This means the scribes copied older texts. They updated them with newer family lines.
Connections to Other Records
The Jesus College genealogies share information. They are similar to the Harleian genealogies. The Harleian records are even older. This shows that scribes used common sources. They passed down important historical facts.
