Medieval and Early Modern Manuscripts

The Library of Trinity College Dublin holds over 600 medieval and early modern manuscripts, ranging in date from the 7th century to the 1600s.

The collection showcases Ireland's connections with the pre-modern world, with source material for the teaching and research of the art, history, culture, language and literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance period.

The manuscripts have their origin in Ireland, Britain, continental Europe and beyond. This collection includes items from the historic libraries of James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh (r. 1625-1656), the mathematician and astronomer John Dee (1527-1608/09), and the antiquarian Henry Savile of Banke (1568-1617). Many of the works are written in Latin, English (including Old and Middle English) and the Irish language. Other languages represented in the collection include Arabic, Coptic, Dutch, French (including Anglo-Norman French), Ge'ez, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Old Norse, Spanish and Syriac.

Learn more by exploring highlights of the collection below.