Detail: Battle scene from BL Arundel 67, vol. I, f. 341v

Battle scene, at the beginning of 'Comment le captal de beuth fut pris a la bataille de subize..', in Jean Froissart's Chroniques d'Angleterre. Image taken from vol. I, f. 341v of Les Chroniques d'Angleterre (3 vols). Written in French.

The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (1585-1646). Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel, who was a prominent figure during the early 17th century in England. Thomas Howard enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles I, and this connection allowed him to expand his collection. The king was granting him privileges to purchase manuscripts and books, and the collection grew in size and importance.

The English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I had a significant impact on Thomas Howard's life. During the war and the Commonwealth period, his collection faced threats of dispersion and destruction. Howard managed to protect many of his books and manuscripts by sending them abroad for safekeeping. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the collection was returned to the Howard family.

jean froissart detail battle scene battle scene arundel bl arundel medieval manuscripts french manuscripts france british library

1200 - 1500

British Library

http://europeana.eu/

Public Domain