description Vespasian Psalter Overview
The Vespasian Psalter is an illuminated Latin psalter produced in Anglo-Saxon England during the 8th century and now held by the British Library. Named for its position in the former Cotton library, it contains the Book of Psalms together with additional devotional material. It is particularly important for an Old English interlinear gloss added in the 9th century, regarded as the earliest surviving English translation of a substantial portion of the Bible.
help Vespasian Psalter FAQ
Why is it called the Vespasian Psalter?
The name comes from its former shelfmark in Sir Robert Cotton's library, where manuscripts were arranged beneath busts of Roman emperors. Its present British Library designation is Cotton MS Vespasian A I.
What makes the Vespasian Psalter important to the history of English?
An Old English gloss was added above the Latin text of the Psalms, making the manuscript important evidence for early English language study. The gloss was written later than the main 8th-century manuscript.
What is shown in the Vespasian Psalter's major illumination?
Its best-known full-page image depicts King David surrounded by musicians and dancers. David's role as the traditional author of the Psalms makes the scene an appropriate opening to a psalter.
Where was the Vespasian Psalter made?
It was produced in Anglo-Saxon England during the 8th century, probably in southern England. It is associated with the Insular manuscript tradition but also shows Mediterranean influence in its figure style and composition.
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