The English Register of Oseney Abbey, by Oxford Written about 1460

First published in 1913, the publication of this English translation is of particular interest for those studying the growing status of English as a formal as well as informal language in the mid-15th century. The manuscript’s varying quality and very existence raise questions as to its purpose in addition to the Latin text and its authors’ own understanding of English. As for the manuscript’s original audience, this English translation allows study by those familiar with Middle and Old English, though it remains reasonably accessible for Modern English speakers. The volume consists of an extensive scholarly introduction, followed by the text along with some explanatory glosses. The manuscript includes some history of the Abbey at Oseney alongside charters relating to its local area.

Part 1. Introduction. 1. General Notes. 2. Grammar Notes. 3. Analysis of Field-Names. Part 2. Chapter-Titles of Bonaventura’s Vita Christi. Part 3. Text of the Cartulary. 1-4. Not Found. 5. Of the Foundation of St. George’s Church. 6. Of the Foundation of Oseney. 7. How St. George’s Church was Given to Oseney. 8. Of the Meadows beside Oseney. 9. Of the Weir near Oseney. 10. Of the Chapel of St. Thomas. 11. Of Medley (Near Oxford). 12. Of Walton (in North Suburb of Oxford). 13. Of Water-Eaton (North of Oxford). 14. Of Cutslowe and Frees (North of Oxford). 15. Of Handborough. 16. Of Worton. 17. Of Kidlington. 18. Of Gosford. 19. Of Hensington. 20. Of White-Hill in Tackley Parish. 21. Of Great Barton. 22. Of Barton Odonis. 23. Of Westcot Barton. 24. Of Sandford. 25. Of Ledwell. 26. Of Lodewell. 27. Of Grove. 28. Of Heyford. 29. Of Little Tew. 30. Of Great Tew. 31. Of Dunstew. 32. Of Adderbury. 33. Does Not Occur. 34. Of Hooknorton. 35. Of Wigginton. 36. Of Swerford. 37. Of Barford. Part 4. Indexes. 1. Of Persons, Places, Matters. 2. Of Words and Phrases.