[3]
[1] M.S., 41; James 17, 81.
[2] C. A. S., 8vo. publ. No. 33 (1900), 25.
[3] MS. Bodl., Auct. D. 2. 16 fo. Ia; Dugdale, ii. 527; Oxford
Philol. Soc. Trans., 1881-83, p. 2.
Although the age of these books suggests that the
collection has existed continuously since the eleventh
century, after Leofric's time no important reference to
the library occurs until 1327, when an inventory of the
books was drawn up. Then about 230 volumes (excluding
service books) were in the possession of the Chapter.[1] In
this same year a breviary and a missal were chained up in
the choir for the use of the people.[2] Twelve months later
John Grandisson arrived at Exeter to take charge of his
diocese. A book-loving bishop, he was a benefactor to
the library, maybe to a very praiseworthy extent; but a
few words will record what is definitely known about this
part of his work. In 1366 he gave two folio volumes,
still extant. One contains Lessons from the Bible, and
the homilies appointed to be read, and the other is the
Legends of the Saints.[3] In his will he gave two other
books, perhaps Pontificals of his own compilation, to his
successors.
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