Virgin and Child from BL Arundel 285, f. 178v

Coloured woodcut with the Virgin and child stuck in the initial 'O', the following letters in the first line in smaller capitals (maist marcifull), at the beginning of the prayer to the Virgin O clementissime. Image taken from f. 178v of Collection of Scottish poetry. Written in English, Scots, some headings in Latin.

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.