Keeper of the Works' Accounts of St Swithun's Priory

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• episcopus, -i n m bishop; ~ puerorum, ~ iuuenum boy bishop, a boy, originally a choirboy in a cathedral or other collegiate church or a student in an almonry school, chosen to act as a mock bishop in liturgical and other observances on the feast of St Nicholas or of the Holy Innocents
• iuuenis, -is adj young; as subst a youth, young person, in CL a young adult; here, a boy; see episcopus

Record title: Keeper of the Works' Accounts of St Swithun's Priory
Repository: HRO
Shelfmark: DC/A5/8/3
Repository location: Winchester

The 'custos operum,' or keeper of the works, was responsible for the fabric of the buildings of the priory, including the cathedral, and he managed repairs to the buildings. The account runs from Michaelmas to Michaelmas. The Hampshire Record Office catalogue states that the 'date appears to be 1450–1451 although the last word in the heading is "octavo" so it may be the roll for 1457–1458.'

This roll was one of three rolled together (with DC/A5/8/2 and 4) that were received from Messrs F. and A.L. Bowker, solicitors to Mrs Barker Mill. This manuscript was formerly housed at Winchester Cathedral Library, shelfmark W53/15/3.

1457–8; Latin; parchment; single membrane, written recto only; 512mm x 198mm; right side damaged, scalloped, heading torn and damaged by damp.