Prophecies Of Merlin And Ownership Inscription, In Ralph Of Diceto's Minor Historical Works

Ralph of Diceto (d. 1202) gained an education in Paris, and became a dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in 1180. He wrote a variety of historical works.

The text on this page is an added set of verses on the Prophecies of Merlin. In the middle of the lower edge of the page is the ownership inscription of St. Mary's, York: 'Liber Sancte Marie Ebor.' The rectangular green copper-stain was caused by the metal fitting used to attach this book by a chain to a bookshelf (a common way of preventing the theft of books until the 18th century) part of which still survives on the outside of the lower cover.