Bodmin Manumissions
An exploration of the earliest linguistic records from Cornwall, detailing the freeing of slaves, found within the Bodmin Gospels manuscript.
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The Bodmin Gospels
A Unique Manuscript
The Bodmin Manumissions are integral to a significant manuscript known as the Bodmin Gospels, or alternatively, the St Petroc Gospels. This codex is housed in the British Library under the accession number Add MS 9381. While predominantly written in Latin, the manuscript is distinguished by the inclusion of elements in Old English and, crucially, the earliest extant written examples of the Cornish language.
Discovery and Provenance
The manuscript's journey to scholarly attention began with its discovery by Thomas Rodd, a London bookseller. In May 1833, Rodd facilitated its acquisition by the British Museum, where it has remained a key artifact. Linguistic and historical analysis suggests the manuscript originated in Brittany, a region with strong historical ties to Cornwall, and its creation spans from the latter part of the 9th century to the first quarter of the 11th century.
Cornish Glosses and Vocabulary
Linguistic Significance
Within the margins of the Bodmin Gospels, scholars have identified records written in the Old Cornish language. These entries detail the manumission (the act of freeing slaves) of individuals in Bodmin, which was then a principal town and an important religious center in Cornwall. These records, dating from the 9th or 10th centuries, represent invaluable primary source material for the study of the early Cornish language.
A Rich Lexicon
Beyond the manumission records, the manuscript also contains an Old Cornish Vocabulary. This section, compiled around AD 1000 and later augmented with a Cornish translation, lists approximately 961 Cornish words. The vocabulary spans a diverse range of subjects, from astronomical terms and ecclesiastical concepts to craft occupations, flora, and fauna, offering a remarkable glimpse into the lexicon of the period.
The Manumission Records
Acts of Freedom
The Bodmin Manumissions specifically document the freeing of slaves. These entries are believed to be contemporaneous with the acts of manumission they record. The practice of granting freedom to slaves within the confines of a church was a recognized tradition, with evidence suggesting its existence from as early as the 4th century CE.
A Unique Historical Record
These records hold exceptional historical importance for Cornwall. They are considered the sole surviving original documentation pertaining to Cornwall or its Bishopric that predates the Norman Conquest of 1066. The manuscript itself, described as a neatly written quarto of an oblong form, was penned by a scribe whose learning, while adequate for the time, was not considered exceptional.
Historical Context and Dating
Origins and Chronology
The Bodmin Gospels manuscript is thought to have been produced in Brittany, a region historically and culturally linked with Cornwall. Its temporal scope is broad, with its creation estimated to have occurred between the last quarter of the 9th century and the first quarter of the 11th century. This period places the manuscript firmly within the late Anglo-Saxon era and the early stages of Norman influence.
Scribe and Contemporaneity
The manuscript's physical characteristics suggest a scribe of moderate learning for the era. Critically, the manumission entries appear to have been made concurrently with the events they describe, lending them a high degree of authenticity and immediacy. This contemporaneity is vital for understanding the social and legal practices of the time in Cornwall.
The Cornish Language
Earliest Written Evidence
The Bodmin Manumissions are of paramount importance to historical linguistics due to their status as the earliest written evidence of the Cornish language. These marginalia provide direct insight into the vocabulary and grammatical structures of Old Cornish, a Brythonic Celtic language spoken in Cornwall.
Linguistic Landscape
The presence of Cornish alongside Latin and Old English in the same manuscript highlights the linguistic diversity of early medieval Britain, particularly in regions like Cornwall with strong Celtic heritage. The study of these glosses and the manumission records allows scholars to trace the development of Cornish and its relationship with neighboring languages.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon historical and linguistic data. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, providing an overview of the Bodmin Manumissions and the Bodmin Gospels.
This is not professional historical or linguistic advice. The content is based on publicly available information and may not encompass all nuances or interpretations. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for in-depth research. The AI and its creators are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information presented herein.