The Prince and the Plunder

A book on how Britain took one boy and piles of treasures from Ethiopia

Category: Manuscripts

An ‘Ethiopic manuscript’ with six illustrations (IE TCD MS 2286) *

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: A [religious] text in Ethiopic script in a roll, interspersed with six illustrations in brown and black. Note on the back mentions the Abyssinian Expedition and one of the British force’s bases on the route.

Where: Trinity College Library – Dublin

One of at least 19 Ethiopic manuscripts listed in the library’s database.

Library ref: IE TCD MS 2286
database entry – https://manuscripts.catalogue.tcd.ie/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=IE+TCD+MS+2286&pos=5

Provenance:
Dated on back “Addigerat, March 22 1868. R.G. Kennedy Abs[ynnia]n Ex[peditio]n.”
Presented by Col. Lefroy, Carrigglas Manor, Longford, 1 May 1950.

Posted In Manuscripts | Scrolls | Suspected Magdala plunder
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Scroll showing cross with Roman soldiers (IE TCD MS 3809) *

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: Described as “Ethiopic [religious] text with rubrication, illumination and illuminated miniatures, crucifixion – cross with Roman soldiers, no figures of Christ, 800x88mm, rolled vellum”

Where: Trinity College Library – Dublin

One of at least 19 Ethiopic manuscripts listed in the library’s database.

Library ref: IE TCD MS 3809
database entry – https://manuscripts.catalogue.tcd.ie/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=IE+TCD+MS+3809-3810&pos=12

Provenance:
Purchased by TCLD 9 June 1905. Brought from Abyssinia in 1869 [receipt kept with rolls]. Found in Classing Room, April 1964
1869 is the year after the Abyssinian Expedition

Posted In Manuscripts | Scrolls | Suspected Magdala plunder
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A 17th century manuscript of the Book of Hawi (OR 778)

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What:  A 17th century Ethiopian manuscript of the Book of Hawi. A theological, moral and ascetic compilation. Deeds notes in Amharic.

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 778
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_778

Provenance:
Stamped inside cover: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

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A 17th-18th century manuscript of Talmid, the History of the Fathers (OR 779)

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What:  An Ethiopian manuscript dated 1682-1706 of the History of the Fathers with ‘Talmid’ on the spine

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 779
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_779

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

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A 16th century manuscript, Talmid, Theological Treatise (OR 782)

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What:  An Ethiopian manuscript dated 1563-1597 with Talmid on the spine, described as a Theological Treatise against various heresies

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 782
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_782

Provenance:
Stamped inside cover: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

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An 18th century manuscript of Haymanota ‘abaw, the Faith of the Fathers (OR 783)

Published February 26, 2024 / by Andrew Heavens / Leave a Comment

What: An Ethiopian manuscript dated 1716-1721 of Hāymānota ʾabaw, the Faith of the Fathers

Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

Ref: OR 783
Digital version – http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Or_783

Provenance:
Stamped on first page: “Presented by the Secretary of State for India Aug. 1868”
Listed as part of the “Magdala collection” in William Wright’s Catalogue of the Ethiopic manuscripts in the British Museum acquired since the year 1847

Posted In Biblical books | Manuscripts | The Plunder
Tagged