An extraordinary literary treasure has been unearthed in the most unexpected of places. Scholars have confirmed that a rare 14th-century manuscript, found within the library and archives of Shrewsbury School in the West Midlands, is the sole surviving complete copy of a major medieval mystical work.
A Scholar's Identification
The significant discovery was made by medieval literature researcher Timothy Glover. He identified the volume as the original version of Emendatio vitae (The Emending of Life), a key text written by the influential English hermit, writer, and mystic, Richard Rolle. This manuscript is believed to represent Rolle's own version of the text, making its survival for over six centuries a remarkable event.
The work itself is a cornerstone of medieval Christian devotional literature. Rolle, who died in 1349, was a pioneering figure in English mysticism, and his writings profoundly shaped spiritual thought in the late Middle Ages. Finding a complete copy of this calibre offers scholars an unprecedented window into the period's religious and intellectual landscape.
Custodians of History
Leo Winkley, the Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, expressed immense pride in the find. He described it as "an extraordinary discovery for Shrewsbury School" and highlighted the institution's role as a guardian of history. The manuscript was gifted to the school in 1607, and for centuries it sat among other collections, its true significance unrecognised until now.
Winkley emphasised the school's ongoing commitment to preserving nationally important historical materials and supporting academic research that deepens our understanding of the past. This discovery underscores the vital role that school archives and libraries can play in safeguarding the UK's cultural heritage.
New Insights into Medieval Culture
Experts state that this rare 14th-century manuscript provides invaluable new insight. It illuminates not only the development of medieval Christian thought but also the broader contours of English literary culture during a formative period. The survival of a complete text allows for more accurate studies of Rolle's language, themes, and influence.
The discovery in Shrewsbury serves as a powerful reminder that significant historical artefacts can still be found in local institutions. It reinforces the importance of cataloguing, preserving, and studying old collections, which may hold secrets waiting to be revealed by a researcher's keen eye.
