For example, in 1320,
the prior and convent of Ely acknowledge receiving ten
books from the executors of a rector of Balsham, who had
borrowed them.[3] Some years later, at an audit of books
of Christ Church, Canterbury, seventeen manuscripts--
thirteen of them on law--were noted as in the hands of
seculars, among whom was Edward II.[4]
[1] See particularly James (M. R.), xlv-xlvi, 146-149.
[2] Delisle, Bibl. de Ecole des chartes, iii ser. i. 225.
[3] Hist. MSS. 6th Rept. 296a.
[4] Literae Cantuarienses, ii. 146.
Lending books to brethren in the monastery was conducted
according to strict rules, of which those of Lanfranc,
based on the Cluniac observances, afford a good example.
Before the brethren went into chapter on the Monday
after the first Sunday in Lent, the librarian laid out on a
carpet in the chapter-house all the books which were not
on loan. After the assembly of the brethren, the librarian
read his register of the books lent to the monks. Each
brother, on hearing his name, returned the book which
had been entrusted to him. If he had not made good use
of the book, he was expected to prostrate himself, confess
his neglect, and beg forgiveness.
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