A unique Old English formula for excommunication from Cambridge, Corpus Christi College 303
Elaine Treharne
Cambridge, Corpus Christi College 303 (hereafter CCCC 303) is an extensive mid-twelfth-century vernacular manuscript produced at Rochester from a variety of Old English source materials. According to the medieval foliation, forty-four leaves are missing beginning codex and indeterminate number end. As extant, comprises seventy-three texts which arranged according Temporale Sanctorale for church year (the first complete homily Third Sunday after Epiphany), thus showing that initial plan contents was decided upon by compiler. Godden distinguishes five groups in all, last such group being relevant here. This final portion (pp. 290–362, middle quire 19 end 23) contains twelve designated as ‘Miscellaneous items, mainly Ælfric’. The nine these ‘miscellaneous items’, however, seem be linked their suitability Lenten period emphasis on sin, repentance prayer. It within this part codex, pp. 338–9 (between Ælfric De oratione Moysi media Quadragesima Quomodo Acitofel 7 multi alii laqueo se suspenderunt ), Latin formula excommunication unique parallel text copied eighth item particular group.
Anglo-Saxon England