The United Kingdom's Department for Culture, Media & Sport has placed a bar on the export of a recently discovered 13th century New Testament. Oddly, the illuminated manuscript on parchment is in French, apparently confiscated during a long-ago war, following the Battle of Poitiers, which took place in 1356. It was part of the Hundred Years' War, a testament to how long the British and French could hold grudges against each other. The fact that they are allies today gives us hope that maybe one day seemingly intractable wars such as those in the Middle East will also be resolved.
This battle took place on French soil when British troops, serving under Prince Edward, the “Black Prince,” took on forces under French King John II, also known as “John the Good.” Black Prince Edward, son and heir apparent of his father, English King Edward III, never made it to the throne as his father outlived him. Seeing an opportunity during the battle, Edward diverted forces under the command of Henry of Lancaster, who besieged the French. They looted the place and it is believed this is the most likely explanation of how this manuscript, signed by none of other than King John II himself, ended up in British hands.
The manuscript includes ownership inscriptions of several English noblemen. Among them is Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who lived from 1390-1447. He is considered the most important collector of Medieval books and was the son of King Henry IV. The King's father had claimed the title of Duke of Lancaster after it went vacant. That may tie this manuscript to the aforementioned Henry of Lancaster, of the original House of Lancaster. As such, it is possible that this manuscript was used to legitimize the Lancastrians' attempt to claim the throne of France.
There are also inscriptions from a couple of other members of the royal family who lived before the invention of printing. Many inscriptions were erased but some have been deciphered with ultra violet light, and hopefully, more will be learned with newer techniques. An MP and an antiquarian from the 18th century have been determined to be part of its provenance.
Speaking about this remarkable find, Reviewing Committee member Caroline Shenton explained, “This late-thirteenth-century New Testament is of extraordinary importance to our understanding of English Medieval royal culture, politics, and diplomacy during the Hundred Years’ War. Although as the work of the Cholet Master its decoration makes it a very attractive object in its own right, it is its textual interest and staggering provenance which make it a national treasure. The manuscript is previously unknown to scholarship, having been in private hands for over 300 years.” She continued, “I very much hope that an institution will come forward to save this jaw-dropping manuscript which still has so much to tell us about its story and the stories of those who owned it.” Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay added, “I hope that a buyer comes forward to make sure it can continue to be researched and its revelations shared with generations to come.”
The manuscript has been valued at £800,000 (approximately US $1 million). The export bar lasts through February 7, 2024. At the end of this period, the owners can consider any offer for the recommended purchase price of £800,000. After the signing of an option agreement, the bar is then extended for four more months. The Arts and Heritage Minister may also consider offers for under the recommended price. We will have to wait to see what sort of institutional bids this manuscript draws, but considering its age, illumination, and history, I would not be surprised that if sent to auction, it would command a higher price than the one at which it has been valued.
