Textus Roffensis: Law, Language and Libraries in Early Medieval England

Textus Roffensis is a Rochester Cathedral book of the early 12th century that holds some of the most significant legal texts issued by England’s various early medieval kingdoms going back to the laws of King Æthelbert of Kent (c. 604).  It also preserves abundant records from one of England’s earliest episcopal sees. 

This conference will gather, for the first time, work in the disciplines of history, English, linguistics, political science and codicology in order to address the context for the creation of Textus Roffensis, the language of its texts, English laws and their legal, political, and cultural agendas, the relationship of the Church and royal government, and the legacy of the book and its texts.  There will be featured talks by Martin Brett (University of Cambridge), Nicholas Brooks (University of Birmingham), Carole Hough (University of Glasgow), Mary Richards (University of Delaware); a private tour of Rochester Cathedral; and a private exhibition of Textus Roffensis itself and Rochester and Canterbury Cathedral papers of the same period.  Michael Wood, broadcaster and historian of early medieval England, will deliver a public lecture on the legacy of Textus Roffensis.

The organizers are interested in papers or panels on all topics related to Textus Roffensis.  Individual papers should be no more than 20 minutes.  Interested scholars should submit a one paragraph proposal along with a curriculum vitae to Bruce O’Brien, programme coordinator
(bobrien@umw.edu).  The deadline for proposals is 15 November.