Red and white roses from BL Arundel 66, f. 1v

Illuminated initial 'M'(ultum) with red and white roses, at the beginning of John Killingworth's Planetary Tables; the almanac tables of John Killingworth provided formulae for calculating the phases of the moon and movement of the sun, and according to the title in red (rubric), the system is that used at Oxford. Image taken from f. 1v of Almagest (extract), Liber Astronomiae, Liber Arenalis, astronomical and geomantic tables, political prophecies. Written in Latin and French.

The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (1585-1646). Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel, who was a prominent figure during the early 17th century in England. Thomas Howard enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles I, and this connection allowed him to expand his collection. The king was granting him privileges to purchase manuscripts and books, and the collection grew in size and importance.

The English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I had a significant impact on Thomas Howard's life. During the war and the Commonwealth period, his collection faced threats of dispersion and destruction. Howard managed to protect many of his books and manuscripts by sending them abroad for safekeeping. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the collection was returned to the Howard family.