Catholic Church. Pope (1417-1431 : Martin V)
Martinus ... : Papal bull issued by Pope Martin V to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Bertin at St. Omer, granting permission for the monks to elect their own confessors.
Rome, January 3rd, 1421.
1 vellum sheet with seal, matted : 49 x 31 cm.
Acquired through the Kenyon Law Starling Fund.
Founded in the 7th century, the French Benedictine Abbey of St. Bertin was rebuilt in the 14th century, becoming one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe. In the late Middle Ages it was esteemed as a center for learning, known especially for its manuscript production. Single sheet (vellum), with brown ink; sixteen lines, opening word “Martinus” capitalized with large decorated initial; lead seal impressed “Martinus” attached. Martin V (Odonne Colonna, 1368-1431) descended from an important Roman family, a family which had seen more than twenty of its members become cardinals of the church.