PCD MS 1   1708
The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection
(ornamental line), “The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection, Discoverd to a soul piouslij Ambitious of obtaining the quiet Possession thereof (ornamental line) Dabo tibi Thesauros absconditos. Isai. 45 (ornamental flourish) 1708” [p 5] (Isaiah 45:3)
(ornamental line), “ The hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection. Dear Sister, since you have been so happij as to have heard ye sweet and amicible voice of Jesus mercifullij inviting y/o to follow him”, p 1. (ends), “That y/o woud pray ... for ye Conversion of Sinners and under this title, for those, who desire to remain for time and Eternity. Yr humble sevants in Jesus Christ Br N. L Br A J”, p 119
“A Method of Meditation For Beginners. Wherein Consists Meditation. Meditation properly speaking is nothing els, but one two or more Considerations made on some subject”, p 1; (ends) “yt he woud bestow his Grace on all those for whom y/o are bound to pray, and so retire with respect, modestly and in silence to y/r other Imployments. IWIWBTYS” p 31
(Loose at end, 19th century, Antiphon for Octave of the Immaculate Conception).
[4 blank, 5 title-page, 6 blank], 1-119, [3 blank], 1-31, [5 blank] p 
Size: 16 x 10 cm
Binding: Calf, edges and spine gilt, page edges red sprinkle

PCD MS 2   1708
The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection
“The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection, Discoverd to a Soul that's truly animated with a Holy Ambition of attaining to ye quiet Possession thereof (ornament). Dabo tibi Theasuros absconditos. Isai. 45 (ornament) 1708”, (Isaiah 45:3) [p 17]. “This belongs to the Refectory” (change of hand) “to St Cuthbert's Library” [p 18] “The hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection. Dear Sister, since y/o have been so happy as to have heard ye sweet and aimable voice of Jesus” p 1; (ends) “Pray often ... For ye Conversion of Sinners, and under this title, for him who desires to remaine for time and eternity. Yr humble Servant in Jesus Christ Br N. L.” p 138 [20 p blank]
Loose, 11 x 7 cm, single sheet, early 18th century: “Obedience ought to be ye darling virtue of a Religious person, which he ought to take most pleasure to practise”, in the hand of Cecily Cornwallis (1656-1723) and probably written in Rouen.
[16 blank, title page, 17-18], 1-138, [20] p 
Size: 16 x 10 cm
Binding: Vellum, glued over calf, 2 metal clasps, red sprinkled page edges with 'N' on bottom edge, marbled endpapers

PCD MS 3   1708
The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection
“The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection, Discover'd to a Soul piously Ambitious of obtaining the quiet Possession thereof (decorative lines above and below) Dabo tibi Thesauros absconditos. Isai. 45. 1708” [p 1, p 2 blank]
(decorative line) “The Hidden Treasure of Religious Perfection. Dear Sister, since y/o have been so happy as to have heard ye sweet and amiable voice of Jesus mercifully inviting y/o to follow him”, p 1; (ends) “That yo woud Pray often for ... ye Conversion of Sinners, and under this title, for him, who desires to remaine for time and Eternity Y/r humble Servant in Jesus Christ B/r N. L.” p 137.
[stubs of 7 leaves; 2 p], 1-137, [3 blank] p 
Size: 16 x 10 cm
Binding: Calf stained, gilt tooled edges & spine, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 4   [later 18th century]
Devout meditations on the seven words, Luis of Granada, meditations by St Augustine, English verse, liturgical prayers etc, many printed cut outs, various hands
“Devout Meditations on the Seven words of our Bd Saviour hanging on the Cross. Written Origionally in french by the Reverend Father Lewis of Granada and English by &c. Live Jesus and Mary” [p 1; 2 blank]. “Devout Meditations on ye Seven Words of our Saviour hanging on the Cross. Open now thy ears O my Soul to hear the agreable musick of these seven words which thy dying king sweetly sounds on the harp of ye Cross”; (ends) “breath forth that breth you gave me in those precious streams which flow'd for me and grant that I may live with you and your Bd Mother for all Eternity. Amen” p 39
“A Devout prayer in which the sinner Craves Divine Love: Behold me here my Lord before you as one of the least and most wreched Creaturs of the world who with a bleeding heart prostrate and cast my self in to the abiss of my Nothing”, p 39-56 (echoes of St Augustine's Confessions, e.g , p 46 and X:27)
“Verses on the passion of X. Our Bd Saviour being apprehended/ by none of his apostles was attended/ betrayd by one forsaken by ye rest”, (ends) “that when the fearfull Judging day is come/ and thou shall sit to give the world its doom/ I may escape the terrible but just Sentence/ of those who live & dye without Repentance” p 56-67
“Jesus hidden in the privation and friendship of Creaturs. St Austin observes that there is no temptation which is so glewd to our Corrupt Nature as this”, (ends) “ever be resign'd adoring the hand that strikes and kissing lovingly the rod with which he Chastizes, heaven suffers Violence and the Violent only shall possess it” p 67-76
“The Domine non Secundum in English and Latin” (Psalm 102:10, Vulgate); various hymns and prayers mostly in Latin, many cut out of different printed books and pasted in, including engraving “Jesus cor affligens” [p 4], Commemorations [Latin, p 5-7], “When it rings to the work house in the Morning say ye Veni Creator”, “At the work house after dinner”, “Going down with Grace say ye De profundis” each followed by Latin prayers, [p 7-16]. Thereafter mainly printed cut outs, psalms, etc in Latin but also English anthems and prayers, ends with “Itinerarium Clericorum” printed, p ccxiij - ccxiiij.
[2], 1-76, [36 + printed, 2, ccxiij-ccxiiij] p 
Size: 16.5 x 11 cm
Binding: Vellum, remains of fabric tie, pages ruled in pencil

PCD MS 5   19th century
Ordo for the Vicaress
[Front flyleaf: erased pencil instructions]
“The days on which the Vicaress reads Officiatrix” , [p 1]. “The days on which the holy Sacrament is exposed”, [p 3]. “The days on which there is Discipline”, [p 7]. “The days on which the bell is rung to the workroom”, [p 9] “This was decided by Revd Mother Abbess & the Discreet in the year 1837” [p 11]
“The Papal Benediction”, [p 13]
“The Vicaress superintends the Church Sacristy”,[p 17]
“Sweets for ye Church” (instructions for making incense in English and French) last page.
[20] p, remainder of the notebook blank, except last page 
Size: 16.6 x 11.2 cm
Binding: “False” parchment covered notebook; blank paper pages

PCD MS 6   late 17th or early 18th century
Devotional Miscellany, various hands (change of handwriting p 185-219).
[Verse] “The Sighs of decaying years. Awake my Soul feel thy Alarum beate/ decaying nature; Summons a retreat” [6 pp]
“The Seven Penitential Psalms of David briefly paraphras'd. The Anthem: O Lord remember not ours, or our Forefathers offences”, p 1- 31
“In Nomine Patris et FIlij et Spiritus Sancti Amen. Aegrae Animae gemitus & Clamor ad suum Medicum Iesum Christum. Lucae 10: 33: The man descending from Jericho” (11 meditations in English on the healing miracles of Jesus) p 35- 62, [p 63-64 blank]
“Severall wayes of approaching to the holy Communion. 1 as a beggar” (4 ways & prayers) p 65- 79
“Adoro Te: With all y/e powers my poor hart hath/ of humble love & Loyall Faith” (verse) p 80- 82.
“Lauda Sion: Rise Royall Sion, rise and sing/ thy souls kind shepheard, thy hart King” (verse) p 82- 85.
“Pange Lingua: Come lett us with the heavenly Quire/ this Mystery of love admire” (verse) p 86-87.
“Sacris Solemnjis: With inward love and outward joy/ letts honour this Solemnity” (verse) p 87-88.
“Verbum Supernum: The great redeemer who came downe/ without relinquishing his crowne” (verse) p 88-89, [p 90-96 blank]
“Pious Suplications of a poor Sinner to her Saviour & Redeemer in time of Lent upon the dayes Ghospel . For Ashe Wensday. O Souveraigne Creatour of heaven” (from Ash Wednesday to Low Sunday), p 97-183, p 184 blank; p 185 begins in mid sentence, in a different hand (Cecily Cornwallis (1656-1723) - probably written in Rouen - who also writes the next piece) with the end of the Stations cf MS 67 etc.
“Prayers of ye sacred Passion of o/r Lord. The prayer in ye Garden. Your love O divine Jesus can suffer no delay” p 186-208 (includes “To ye sacred right/ left hand, to ye sacred feet”) “Poems upon ye Passion of o/r Lord: Let those whose genius more prophanely bent/ On worldly things poetick raptures vent” p 209-214
“For Good Friday. When ye procession returns to the Quire R/d Mother Abess begins ye following prayers: Jesus being now extended upon the cross” p 214-215; Prayers for a happy death, p 216-219 (cf MSS 67, 68) “Letany of the Precious Blood” (in Latin; pasted onto the page, written in the first hand) p 219-221.
[8 blank, 6], 1- 221 p 
Size: 17.3 x 11.5 cm
Binding: Calf, double blind fillet, marbled page edges and endpapers

PCD MS 7   early 18th century
Language:  English, Latin & French
Exercises and Devotions (in the hand of Cecily Cornwallis (1656-1723) - probably written in Rouen)
“An Exercise for ye divine Office from Septuagesima till Easter, & all Fridays in the year. For Mattins: Consider with great devotion & yield manifold thanks to Jesus Christ for all he endur'd in ye garden” [p1-4]
“An Exercise for ye divine Office upon ye perfections of God from Easter till All Saints. The first Nocturn: Offer it up in honor & homage to that glory Almighty God possess'd in himself” [p 5-9]
“An Exercise for ye divine Office from all Saints till Septuagesima in honour of all ye Angels & Saints. The first Nocturn: Offer it up in honour & homage to ye infinit glory Almighty God possess'd in himself during all Eternity” [p 9-12; engraving, Jesus le Bon Pasteur, verso blank]
“Oraison au Sacré Coeur de Jesus: O Dieu tout rempli de misericorde” [p 13, p 14 blank]
L'Ordinaire de la Sainte Messe (Printed text in 12mo), p j-xxxvj
“A Morning Exercise: As soon as you awake in ye morning make the sign of ye Cross” p 1-4
“The intentions of ye day. For Sunday. This day dedicate to ye most holy Trinity” ( to Saturday), p 5-13
“Prayers for every day of ye week upon ye 7 petitions of ye Pater Noster”, p 13 “For Sunday. Our Father... Adore Jesus Christ as your Father & the source of all Sanctity. I adore you O Lord Jesus Christ” p 14-26
“A devout practise to obtain ye 7 gifts of ye holy Ghost by the merits of ye precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. O blessed holy Spirit I humbly beseech you”, p 26-29
“Salutations to ye sacred members of our blessed Saviour. To his sacred head & face. O most sweet Lord Jesus Soveraign Prince of Eternity I adore thy sacred head” p 29-33
Various prayers: a universal prayer, our Lady of Salvation, St Joseph, the Good Angel, p 33-40
“An Exercise for the Divine Office. Sunday. Sancte Michael divinae gloriae zelator Ora pro nobis. Victorious Conquerer lend a helping hand/ Who still absorpt do in God's presence stand” (verses addressed to the Angels for each day of the week) p 40-46
“The Litany of ye sacred hart of Jesus”, p 46-52
“A morning purpose: Adoration. Domine Deus virtutum similis tibi” (Thanksgiving, Contrition etc, in Latin) p 52-66
“Aspirations to the sweet Name of Jesus: O Jesu salus mea”, (ends) “O Jesu nostrum gaudium/ Qui es futurus premium/ Sit nostra in te Gloria/ Per cuncta simper saecula” p 66-73
Aspirations before/ after Communion (in Latin), p 73-87
“Aspirations of the love of God” (in Latin, for various occasions eg when the clock strikes, when you see gardens flowers & trees etc ends with a prayer to all ye Saints, Before confession), p 87-100
“To ye ever glorious Virgin: Sub tuum praesidium” p 100 (see: J. McHugh, “The earliest known invocation of the Mother of God”, Ecumenical society of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Oxford, 1981))
“A Rosary of ye 50 Joys which ye Mother of God above all others singularly enjoyed on earth, Ab eterno dilecta/ Dei mater prae electa” (Latin verse), p 100-108
“The Litany of glorious St Michael”, “The Litany of ye good Angel”, “Twelve petitions to o/r good Angel” (all in Latin), p 109-118
“Exercice pendant la Messe”, “Exercice pour la Confession”, “Exercice pour la Communion” (all in French), p 119-135
“Salutations des members sacrez de Jesus. Je vous adore et vous salue O pieds sacrez de mon Jesus” p 135-146
“Prayers for ye Stations. The 1st Station. The washing of ye feet & the prayer in ye garden. O blessed Jesus! O Son of God!” (lists the altars at which each of the 7 stations are to be said) p 147-159
“Intentions pour lesquelles on peut Communier”, “Considerez Jesus dans la Ste Eucharistie, comme votre Roy”, [ p 1 blank; p 2-11]
“Litanies du Bon Pasteur tirées de l'Ecriture Sainte”, [p 11-16, p 17 blank]
[14 + engraving], I-xxxvj [printed], 1-159, [17] p 
Size: 16 x 10 cm
Binding: Calf, blind fillets, spine gilt panels, gilt lettered label: “Ordin de la Messe”, edges gilt, 2 clasps, page edges sprinkled red

PCD MS 8   After 1706
Language:  English, French and Latin
“Sermon, meditations and prayers”
“Regles de la Societées Adoraturs de Jesus-Christ expirant” (printed, refers to a papal Bull of 1706), p 4
“A sermon of ye Most Holy Sacrament of ye Eucharist. He yt Eateth me, Even he shall Live for me, John 6. verse 51. When I reflect on ye Subiect of my present discourse” p 1-50
“Venite ad me Omnes Qui Laboratis..., Our only hope is to recurre to Jesus Christ in our paines, & in our afflictions” ( series of meditations in English on sayings of Jesus, St Gregory, St Augustine), p 50-94 (p 70-71 in French). “Of the B/d Eternity. It is in y/s happy land of ye living”, p 94-102 [2 pp blank between 100 and 101 but text continuous]
“A meditation of ye perticular care which a Religious person must have of his spirituall progress. The 1 (of 3) point. Consider y/t God creating Adam” , p 102-109
“The prayses of a Contemplative Life out of St Augustin in his 43 Sermon concerning ye use of time” (another from Thomas a Kempis), p 109-111
“Il ny a rien qui me paroist comparable au bonheur d'un home qui fermant l'entrée de ses sens” meditations, quotations and comments on verses of Scripture, in French, p 111-131
Meditation in English: “Doe not distrust when ye Comfort of inward sweetnes is withdrawne from you as if God had forsaken you”, p 131-132
“A Religious Alphabet: 1 Adore Jesus Christ in ye holy Sacrament of ye Alter”, p 132-133
“The Litanys of ye Sacred Hart of o/r Lord” (Latin), p 133-136; “O good Jesus, I serve ye too imperfectly” p 137; “Acte d'Amour: Je n'ai rien, O mon aimable Sauveur & mon Dieu”, p 137-138
“Litanies du Sacré Coeur de Jesus” (in Latin, with adoration and acts in French “au sacré coeur de Jesus Christ”), [p 12]
“A L'Elévation Oraison de Ste Gertrude: Je vous salue Sacré Coeur de Jesus” [p 13]
“Litanies en l'honneur du Coeur très pur de la Bien-heureuse vierge Marie Mere de Dieu ”,“The Litanys of St Michael to obtaine a happy death”, “The Litanys of ye Good Angell”, “The Litanys of Bd St Joachim”, “The Litanys of Bd Saint Collett”, (litanies in Latin with some English prayers), [ p 14-35]
“Veni Sancte Spiritus: O yt my soule might be so blest/ as to enjoy so sweet a guest”, ( series of twenty 8 line English verses on Latin phrases), [p 36-42]
“Le Bonheur de la Vie Religieuse”, “L'Esprit de la Vie Religieuse” (series of 7 French meditations on religious life), [p 42-46]
“For our Benefactours” (and other prayers in Latin for the departed), [p 47-48]
Loose paper, 4 x 6, “Become a protecting God” ; “Cast me not of in the time of my old age” [from psalm 70 [71]: 3, 9-10]
[4], 1-138, [48 + 6 blank] p 
Size: 17 x 11 cm
Binding: Stiffened vellum, blind fillets and corner ornaments , repeated on spine, 2 cord & button clasps, one cord remaining, page edges red & blue sprinkle

PCD MS 9   mid 18th century
Meditations, prayers and devotions
Full page engravings by Chereau, Crepy, Poilly etc [active 1645-1760s], most with French versets bound in; also smaller ones cut out, stuck in, some, eg p 338, hand coloured.
“Prayers and considerations upon ye life and death of our blessed saviour Jesus Christ: O my God who can comprehend the designs of your Eternal Wisdome” (from Conception to Pentecost) p 1-69
“A devout practise to obtain the 7 gifts of ye holy Ghost by the merits of the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ”, “To the most ever blessed & holy Trinity”, p 70-72
“Adorations and prayers to ye holy Sacrament. 1. Adore Jesus Christ as the son of the Living God” (ends), “33. Adore Jesus Christ as your Ultimate end”, p 73-108
Acts, meditations and prayers to the Blessed Sacrament, p 108-122. Engraving of the crucifixion bound in between p 122-123
“Salutations to the sacred members of Jesus Christ. I salute and adore you O sacred members and first the holy feet” p 123-129
Prayers on the Passion, including set for every day in the week, p 129-138. Engraving of “Le bon Pasteur” bound between p 138-139. “To ye good Pastour”, “A universal prayer”, p 139-144
“A Crown of 12 starrs in honour of the sacred Mother of God”, and other prayers to Our Blessed Lady, p 145-162
“Pious supplications of a poor sinner to her Saviour and Redeemer in time of Lent upon the days Ghospel. For Ashe Wensday (to Low Sunday)”, p 163-234. Engraving of the crucifixion “O crux ave Spes unica” bound between p 234-235.
“AEgrae Animae gemetus et Clamor ad suum medicum Xtuum. Lucae 10:33. The man decending from Jerusalem to Jericho. O my soul consider in the person of ye poor man” (11 healing miracles of Jesus ending with the Publican, Lucae 17:13), p 235-245
“Soul of Christ sanctify me” ( “Anima Christi” + 2 other prayers), p 246 [+ 1 page unnumbered, verso of engraving of the crucifixion “Pecheur, ma mort est ton ouvrage”]
“Instructions for Mass. When we assist at the holy Mass”; “An Exercise for Mass. When the priest comes to the Aulter”, prayers to accompany Mass and others for Communion, p 247-260. Bound between p 260-261 engraving of “Ste Marie Madeleine”
Prayers before Confession, Acts of Contrition, Prayers after Confession, p 261-282, with engravings of “Saint Pierre” bound between p 276-277, and “Ste Marie Egyptienne” between p 282 - 283
Prayers before and after the Holy Communion, p 283-296, engraving “Jesus adore des Mages” p 290-291; another “La Vierge mourante aux yeux des Apôtres” between 296-297
“Devout prayers to move our blessed Saviour to grant us a happy death”, p 297-302
“Hail sacred Virgin Mother of my God/ Refuge w/n as recouse to you is had” (verse) p 302; engraving, pieta, between p 302-303; “Elevations to our blessed Saviour to move him to grant us a happy and blessed death”, p 303-305. Engraving “S. Angelus custos” between p 305-306; “A crown of 12 stars in honour of our good Angel”,p 306-308
“Our holy Father St Francis. We render the O God”, “Seven prayers to our holy Mother St Clare for every day of the week. Sunday. O thrice happy Mother” p 309-316. Engraving “Jean Baptise Jesus Christ dans le Jourdain” between p 316 - 317
“Refflection on our Baptismall vows. Watch over me O god”; “Holy spirit Adorable principle of ye divine adoption & of our Christian birth” (preceded by small cut out dove stuck into text); “A prayer for ye renovation of our Religious vows”; “Some years are now compleat since I did take/ Ys holy habit & seem to forsake/ you vanitys, O foolish world and you/ yt so I might begin to live an new”, (verse) p 317-324
Litanies (in English): of the divine Providence, of the precious Blood of our Lord, of the most blessed Sacrament, of reparation to the holy Sacrament, (small cut out and hand coloured engraving of the Sacred Heart stuck in p 338),of the Sacred heart of Jesus, p 324-340.Engraving “Jesus Marie Joseph” bound between p 340-341
“Seven Salutations to blessed St Joseph for every day in the week. Sunday. I salute you blessed St Joseph”; “The litany of Jesus, Mary and Joseph”; “The litany of glorious St Michael Prince of the heavenly Army”; prayers to the Angels; “Salutations to the glorious prince Michael”; “The Litany of blessed Saint Mary Magdalen”, p 341-367
Hand coloured engraving of nun on her death bed, p 368, “Sentiments to dispose a sick person to receive her holy viaticume”, (small engraving of Assumption stuck onto p 372), “Sentiments of a sick person after she has receiv'd her holy viaticum”, p 368-374. Engraving of Jesus carrying his cross between p 374-374 [ie p 375]. “An oblation of the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Sunday”; “A very devout litany of the Passion”, p 375-392
“A paraphrase upon the Psalm Domine ne in furore” (Psalm , with small engraving of suppliant woman facing armed cherub; engraving of King David at foot of the cross, “Asperges me”); “A paraphrase upon the Miserere” (Psalm 50 (51)), “A paraphrase upon the psalme de profundis” (psalm 129 (130), incomplete), p 392-400
1-400 p 
Size: 16.5 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Calf, blind fillet, 2 metal clasps, one remaining, page edges red, marbled end papers, five pink fabric markers

PCD MS 10   early 18th century
Prayers and devotions
On front fly leaf (very immature hand), “Mary ann Tobin” (not in listings of nuns) & rhyme
“A prayer to our Bd Lady. O Soveraigne queen of heaven” (“Mary? Babara” added at end, possibly Anne Langstaff, professed Aire 1755, died 1769); “A recourse to our Bd Lady”, p 1-4
“Prayers to beg a happy death”, p 5-10; “Devout prayers to St Josepthe”; “Prayers to St Michael” (series of 12), to St Gabriel, St Raphael, to ye Good Angel (series of 7), p 11-20
“Devout prayers to o/r holly father St Francis”, to St Clare (for each day of the week), p 21-27; “A prayer to beg grace to keep our vowes”, p 29
“Oraison avant La Messe” (and for each part thereof, in French), p 30-46
“Prayers before Confession”, “Considerations before Confession”, “Prayers after Confession”, p 47-60, [p 61 blank]
“Upon ye holly Sacrement. L'abre de vie”, p 62-63; “Adore Jesus Christ as ye Son of ye Living God”, “as ye Word of the Father”, “as ye source of Life”; (ends) “Jesus is ye guift of God”, “Jesus is our Ultimate end”, p 63-94
“Lauda Sion. Come Sion to thy saviour sing/ to thy sweet pastoure ? king/ with hymns & canticles of joy/ raise a melodious harmony” (verse), p 95-98 [1 blank page between p 98-99]
“Dispositions for Communion. St Bonaventure dit que celui qui s'aproche du fils du Dieu”; “Dispositions for Communions. We have in J. C”, “Prayers before Communion. An act of Faithe”; “Prayers after Comunion” , p 99-122
“An oblation of ye sufferings of Jesus Christ for ye souls in purgatory. Sunday” (to Saturday; the pains of His Passion), p 123-142
“The Nativity. O devine Jesus ought I not in ye moment to be wholy enflamed with yr love”, “Tears of our Bd Saviour”, “The cicumcition” (through to the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Ghost. Inserted between “The Institution of ye holly Sacrement” and “The prayer in ye Gardin”, p 201/ 202, (verse)“The prayer in the Gardin; Now sadness with unusuall terrors joined/ strike all his sences & oppress his mind/ Fear chills his sacred veyns & every pore/ In hasty drops distils a crimson shower”, p 143-266, [p 267-273 blank]
“A devout prayer to ye Eternell father by way of Litanys by w/ch y/u may tain by ye name of his d/r Son w/t y/u ask.” (From the incarnation to his Ascension); “A devout prayer . I accknoledge O God yt I am a sinner yt I am miserable poor 7 needy”, p 274-293
“Stations for every day in ye week. Ye prayer in ye Garden for Sunday” (to Saturday, the Burial), p 293-302. 303-305 blank.
1-302 p (including some blanks) 
Size: 17 x 11 cm
Binding: Calf, double blind fillet and corner fleurons, blind ornaments on spine, red page edges, marbled endleaves, fabric marker; page stubs front and back

PCD MS 11   early 18th century
Blois, Francois Louis de (1506-1566), The Spiritual Institution.
[Top of front flyleaf cut off, signature?]
“The spirituall Institution extracted out of Blosius. The Authours preface. Some devout souls having desired yt this little book”; “That it is fitting that all souls should aspire to perfection & to divine union & by which way we may attaine unto it. The first chapter. As God only who is ye soveraign good” (twelve chapters, an abbreviated translation of Blosius' Institutio Spiritualis, Louvain 1553 etc)
1-235 p 
Size: 12 x 8.5 cm
Binding: Vellum on card, 2 metal clasps, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 12   1714, 1724
“A Pilgrimage to ye heavenly Jerusalem, Meditations for Religious in French”, (Printed) R. Challoner, Think well on't, London 1733.
[Front paste-down] “Sr Mary S Belasyse” (i.e Sister Mary Scholastica Belasyse, Rouen, died 1823 aged 68, daughter of 4th Lord Fauconberg); [p 1] “Eleonor Kings book”; “Sweet refreshing Spirit blow/ & coole ye clime thro' which we go/ Making a pilgrimage with paine/ Our blessed Country to attaine” (8 line verse)
“Brief Rules for ye Pilgrims who tend to ye heavenly Jerusalem” (6 rules, Latin prayer and aspiration) [p 2-4]
“A Pilgrimage to ye heavenly Jerusalem. Our glorious Mother St Clare says, Let ye Sisters be as pilgrims & strangers in ye world, serving our Lord in Poverty & humility. Devout points upon ye psalms: Dne quis habitabit in tabernaculo tuo, aut requiescet in monte sancto tuo” (Psalms 14: 1-3, 5; 23: 3-4; 26: 13; 30: 25; 36: 4, 3, 9-11, 23. Vulgate numbering) p 1-22; “The second month. Of Death”; “The third month. The sighs of a pilgrim soul in her exile”; “The fourth month. Of heaven”; (each with 31 meditations on verses of the psalms), p 23-86; “Instructions for ye pilgrim soul out of ye psalm Beati immaculati” (100 meditations on Psalm 118 Vulg.) “Finis 1714”, p 87-192
“An Alphabet of ye holy Sacrament. Adore Jesus Christ in ye holy Sacrament of ye Altar” [p 1-3]
“Elevation pour se purifier du peché avant que d'aller paroitre devant Dieu”; “Apres la Confession” [p 5-23]
“A short Collection of Meditations proper for Religious persons. Du soin qu'il faut avoir de son Salut”, (31 meditations each with 3 points), p 1-185; “Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1724”, p 185
“Litaniae. Maria infans Deo charissima” p 189-193
“A table of ye Meditations contain'd in this Book”, [p 2-4]
“Sentiments d'un malade après avoir recu le St Viatique”; “elevations pour render ses hommages.. . a Jesus Christ”; “Elevation pour demander a Dieu une Sainte mort” [p 5 - 10; 11-16; 17 - 21]
[4], 1-192, [24], 1-193( engraving bound between pp 132-133), [21], [printed, 189 + 3] p 
Size: 12 x 8 cm
Binding: Stained calf, gilt border, gilt ornaments on spine, two metal clasps, marbled page edges
Printed: R. Challoner, Think well on't, (London, 1733)

PCD MS 13   early 18th century
“Meditations on the Holy Sacrament”
[Engraving: “Desiderio desideravi hoc Pascha”, Paris chez Chereau le Jeune (Jacques, 1688-1776, or Francois, 1717-1755, both “le Jeune”, verso p 15]
“Of ye love of Jesus in ye holy Sacrament. The first motive. Jesus is in ye holy Sacrament of ye Altar”; (ends 18th motive) “Jesus in ye holy Sacrament is wholly consum'd with love”, p 1-78
“Communicate often but worthily. Accipite & comedite hoc est corpus meum”, p 78-87
“Divers ways of entertaining o/r Lord when we visit him”, p 87-[8]
[End flyleaf] “Deare Sisters I have againe writt this little Book for your devotion of which I humbly beg your acceptance, & when you make use of it in ye divine Octave, I beseech you to remember a poor sinner & your unworthy sister, Sr Cicely Joseph” [Cornwallis, of Rouen, died 1737].
[14 blank], 1-87 p, [8 + 15 blank] 
Size: 16 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Calf, red page edges

PCD MS 14   1723-1733
“Pious Supplications of a Poor Sinner in time of Lent upon the day's Gospel”; Prayers to accompany Mass, further prayers, meditations and litanies.
“ Pious Suplications of a poor Sinner to her Savour & redeemer in time of Lent upon ye days Ghospel” (from Ash Wednesday to Low Sunday), p 1-89
“An Humble Suplication to our Bd Lady from a poor Sinner”, (ends) “of Charity pray for ye author & ye writer”, p 90-92
(change of handwriting) “A prayer to be sayd at ye beginning of yr hower: O Father O son O holy Ghost O Trinity of persons”, p 93-94, p 95-96 blank, no p 97
“Aspirations for all the actions of the Day. When you awake in ye morning. 1 O God, my God! From ye break of day I watch to thee”, “A Prayer for Morning”, “A Prayer to ye good Angel”, p 98 - 105
“Morning purposes: Adoration”, Thanksgiving, Contrition, Desire of Heaven, good resolutions, pray against temptations (each with 5 sections + a prayer), Another prayer, p 106-113
“Prayers for Night. Before Examine”, “A Prayer after Examen”, “A Form of renewing ye obligations of ye sacrament of Confirmation”, “A Forme of renewing ye promises made in baptism”, p 113-120
(engraving: “La Pentecôte”) “A Devout practise to obtaine the 7 gifts of the holy Ghost by the merits of the precious blood of our Ld Jesus Christ” (7 brief prayers), “A Prayer to beg grace to keep our Religious Vows: O sovereign Lord Jesus Christ spouse of our souls”, p 121-123
“The Litany of the holy Family”, p 123-126
(engraving of the Sacred Heart: “Contribuons a sa victoire”), p 127 verso
“The Litany of ye sacred Hart of Jesus Christ”, p 128-131
(engraved title page: “La perpetuelle croix ou passion de N. Seigneur Iesus-Christ Depuis la fin de sa vie a la fin du Monde”, A Paris, chez P. Gallays; (active in 1650s; another edition, Antwerp, Chez Cornille Woons, 1652)), p 132
(followed by a series of 35 engravings each of which carries a title beginning: “A l'entrée a l'Autel”, a small image from the Passion: “Jesus va au Jardin”; main image of the actions of the Mass: “Le prestre va á l'Autel”, brief explanation at foot: “Jesus entre dans le Jardin pour guerir le peché du 1er homme commis dans un Jarden. O le doux at charitable medicin”). Each image, verso , with English title facing on verso of next image: “The priest goes to the Alter. Jesus goes to the garden”, English prayer and brief Latin verse of Scripture. (Ends with) “The last Gospell. Jesus sends the holy Ghost” p 133-169
“A prayer to ye St we chuse each month: O God who assignes me every month” p 170
“An humble bewailing of sins. O heavenly king”; “An act of contrition. O My God prostrate before thy souveraigne majesty”, p 171-174
(engraving: “Ecce homo”), Prayers before and after Communion (engraving of the Nativity, A Paris chez Radigues(Jacques Vivencies active Paris, 1720s or his son Antoine, 1721-1809)), p 175-181
(engraving: Virgin & Child, A Paris chez Crepy, active c. 1718 to 1750) “Devotions to our Blessed Lady”, including: “Seaven prayers to be sayd every day to our blessed Lady 1 O blessed Virgin Mary and eternal Queen of Angells” (engraving of Blessed Virgin, Gallays, 1650s?); “ Seaven little Prayers to honor ye life of our blessed Lady”, p 182-195
(engraving: death's head “ Le portrait de la mort” + French verse, A Paris chez Jacques Chereau, c 1720-1750) “A Devout prayer to our Saviour Jesus Christ proper to be sayd every [day] for a happy death. O Adorable Jesus whom I behold hanging on ye Cross”; “A Universall Prayer. Almighty & mercifull Lord grant me grace”, p 196-198 [p 194, 195 bis]
(engraving: Angel appearing to shepherds, Gallays, 1650s) “The Litany of the good Angell”, p 199-201
(engraving: S. Francois d'Assise + French verse, A Paris chez Ja Chereau, c1720-1750) “A Prayer to our holy Father St Francis”, p 202-203
(engraving: “Ste Claire, Vierge, Religieuses et mere des pauvres filles de St Francois” + French verse, A Paris ches les frères Poilly, before 1693) “Seaven prayers to our holy Mother for every day of the week. Sunday. O thrice happy St blessed St Clare”, p 203-209
(engraving: “St Antoine de Pade”, Latin scripture quote and French verset, chez Radigues (Jacques Vivencies active Paris 1720s or his son, Antoine, 1721-1809)) “A Devout prayer to St Antony for the recovery of things lost”, p 210 (at bottom of page), “1723” , altered to “1733” [p 211-223 blank]
(engraving, St Peter, “Galtus cantavit flevit amare. A la grace fidelle” A Paris chez Radigues). (3rd hand) “A Prayer on ye affliction our saviour had w/n being deny'd by St Petre. Most loving & tender pastour”, p 224-225
(2nd hand) “The Litany of blessed St Mary Magdalen”, p 226-229; [p 230-231 blank, followed by 32 un-numbered blank pages]. (3rd hand) “A Table of ye Devotions contained in the Booke”, [2 p; 12 blank pages]
[8 loose pages, a different hand. Begins in mid sentence] “justly irritated anger; w/t did y/u doe O deer Jesus, w/t tongue can express y/r so admirable a proceeding”; [p 3] “ Venite ad me omnes qui labor atis & onerati estis & ego reficiam vos. Awake my soul & hear ye charming call”; [p 8] “Entertainnient after Com. Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti. See thou hast now my Soul received ye divine food”
1-229 p (pagination continuous but three different hands), [34 blank, 35 36, - 45; 8 loose pages] 
Size: 16.5 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Calf, metal clasps, one remaining, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 15   early 18th century
“A short compendium of the lives and virtues of the Saints both men and women of our holy Order”.
“A Short compendium of ye lives & vertues of ye Saints both men & wemen of o/r holy Order. January. The first day. Blessed Marianus a lay brother, he was call'd to Religion by an Angel”; (ends June) “The 30th day. Blessed John of Spirenzis”, “The same day, Blessed Mathea of Nazareth”; (text ends mid sentence, p 274, p 275 276 missing), p 277 “Benedico te O amantissime Jesu Deus meus ... Omnes Sancti & Sanctae ordinis B. Francisci & beatae Clarae Orate pro nobis”
1-277 p 
Size: 17.5 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Vellum, blind fillets & corner-pieces, spine & corners overlaid with sheepskin, 2 metal clasps, page edges red & blue blotched

PCD MS 16   early 19th century
Meditations for renewing your vows; A practical catechism upon the Sundays, feasts and fasts of the whole year; A method to hear Mass
“Dearest Dame, being now come to the celebration of ye anniversary of your nupsiall's I take ye freedome to present you with a small scrolle... many faultes I feare you will find in ys my first translation, but I comforte my selfe that your frenship for me will give them a good interpretation, since it was under that title that I aimed at doeing wt was above my capacity”; “Your friend & humble servant Mary Catherin” [Talbot? Died 1822; in which case the Abbess might have been Winifred Clare Smith, 1799-1820], [p 1-2]
“Meditations for renewing your vow's. 1 Meditation the spirit in wch we are to renew our vow's is to renew them in ye spirit of sanctity” ( 3 meditations each with 3 points), p 1-37
“A practical Catechism upon the Sundayes feasts and fasts of the whole yeare” (by William Crathorne, 1670-1740, editions 1711, 1749, 1774 (London), 1775 (Dublin), 1799 (Liverpool). Ends in mid sentence) “ S. 9, Septuagesima Sunday and the remaining days till Lent”, p 39-95
(Change of hand) “A Method to hear Mass after Communion. Translated from the French for the use of Dame Mary Ann Augustin Innes nun at Pontoise. Dear Madam, The happy state which you have embraced affords to you a most delightfull Obligation of communicating often”; (ends) “Your most humble servant & aff/te Sister in Xt M. Scholastica Belasyse” (Professed Rouen 1788, died 1823), [p 2-5]; “Prayers for the Mass after Communion. At the beginning of Mass to ask of God the fruits of a holy Communion”, [p 6-25].
[2], 1-95 p, [25 p; remainder of volume margins ruled but blank] 
Size: 17 x 11 cm
Binding: Calf, blue and red marbled page edges, marbled endpapers

PCD MS 17   later 18th century
A spiritual retreat or eight days recollection
“A Spiritual Retreat Or Eight Days Recoll/on” [p 1]; “A distribution of time. The night before haveing regulat'd all affaires and acquainted your Confessarius with your pious designe” [ p 3-8]
“The first Day's first meditation. The end of a Religious State”; (ends) “The 32 meditation. Our Saviours Death” p 1-152.
[8], 1-152 p [numbered to 187 end paste-down] 
Size: 16.5 x 9.5 cm
Binding: Calf, double blind fillet, spine gilt ornaments, edges gilt, page edges red sprinkle, 2 metal clasps

PCD MS 18   mid 18th century
Motives and practises of humility [printed], The Litany of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and other prayers.
“Motives and practises of humility for every day of the month”, p 1-14; “Motives and practises of charity towards our neighbour for every day of the month”, p 15-30; “A prayer to beg humility”, p 31-34; “A prayer to beg charity”, p 35-38 (printed; copy recorded COPAC but not ESTC or Bloms)
(Prayer begins in mid sentence, followed by prayers to our blessed Lady and to St Joseph), [p 2]
“The Litanys of Iesus, Maria, Ioseph to whom this house is dedicated & perticularly this Chappell”, p [3-18]
“Salutations to the sacred members of Jesus Christ. To his sacred head, face, & eyes. All hail sweet Jesus Eternal sun of Justice, fountain of felicity”, p[ 19-22]
“Honour ye holy Virgin as ye true temple of Salomon”, - “as ye Oriental gate, an enclosed garden & a sealed fountain” , -“as ye Ark of ye testament wherin ye true manna was kept” [p 22-24]
“Honour St Joseph as ye depository of ye treasures of heaven”, -“as ye Guardian of the Virginity of ye holy Virgin”, [p 24].
1-38 p printed; [+2, +4 blank; 24]  
Size: 17 x 11 cm
Binding: Vellum, two metal clasps, printed item red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 19-21   1712-1713
“Meditations tirées de l'Ecriture Sainte”
See: P. M. Conlon, Preludes au siècle des lumières en France, (tome 4, Geneva 1973), #15643, same title and printer, dated 1711 in four volumes; fourth volume missing.
[10] 1-354; [10] 1-406; [4] 1-363  
Size: 17 x 10 cm
Binding: Vellum, blind fillets (not uniform), 2 x metal clasps (only 2 cross bars remain), page edges 18, heavy red sprinkle, 19-20 red & blue sprinkle

PCD MS 22   18th century to 1870s
Prayers and considerations on the life and death of our blessed Saviour , with many other prayers and devotions including La perpetuelle croix ou Passion de Notre Seigneur Jesus - Christ. Written in many different hands.
“Before all things have mutual charity one for another. The Apostle St Peter teaches us” [p 1-3]; “An Examine. Have you risen with promptitude” [p 3-5]; “A prayer for a happy death. O Adorable Jesus” [p 6-7]; “Morning and Evening Prayer” [p 7-9]; “A prayer after Communion to be said before an image of the crucifix” [p 9-10] (19th century hand, after 1821)
“The Litanys of St Antony of Padua”, with other prayers to him and to St Joseph, p 266-275; “A prayer to ye s[acre]d wounds of o/r Bd Saviour”, (Sunday through Saturday: all the wounds, the sacred face, the sacred Heart, the sacred right/ left hands, right/ left feet). “A prayer to begge ye amendment of life” (engraving: “La Ste Famille revenant d'Egypte” by Crepy, Paris, active c 1718-1750), p 274-279 [+ 2p]
“The Litanys of Jesus Maria Joseph”, - of the Holy Family, p 280-287, 18th century hand
“A prayer for the renovation of our Baptismal vows”, [p 1-2], 19th century hand; “A preparation for communion”, prayers before/ after Communion, [p 3-9] 18th century hand; “An examen before dinner” etc, [p 11-14] 19th century hand
Obits of the Birdsall family, 1818 to 1872 (Birdsall, Fisher, Jones, Dale, Thorpe, Forshaw), [p 15-16]
“Prayers & considerations on ye Life & Death of our Saviour. O my god who can comprehend ye designs of yr eternall wisdom” (from the Incarnation, Nativity, to his laborious life, text ends in his temptation. A prayer to St Joseph for a happy death. Same meditation on his Temptation to taking down from the cross and being placed in the tomb. Engravings from the Temptation to the “sepulture” numbered x to xxxx form verso of each opening, each with a tiny vignette of OT “type” top l.h. corner, OT citation above image, NT verse below; 18th century hand, p 17-86; final page of text facing last engraving p 41 “The tomb”, p 42 “Jesus is sentenced to death” then detailed description of the Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, the Coming of the holy Ghost, prayers to the most Holy Trinity and to the most holy Sacrament; all in the same 18th century hand), p 41-60
“For all ye actions of ye day. When yu awake in ye morning”, “ a morning purpose”, “For the actions of the day. Before ye Office”, the night prayers, Before examen, p 61-79
“Prayers to ye most holy Sacrament. Adore Jesus Christ as ye Son of ye living God 1 I adore yu O lord Jesus Christ ye true & only Son of God in ye divine Sacrement” Jesus in the Word of the Father, 2 “Jesus is ye increated Wisdom”, (ends 32, 33) Jesus is our pledge of glory..., Jesus is our ultimate end, p 80-119, “A prayer to beg ye love of God”
“A recourse to our Lady before communion. First say Laudate D[omi]n[u]m omnes gentes”, prayers to good angel, after communion, “A universal prayer. Almighty & mercifull Lord God, grant me ye grace” p120-127
Aspirations from the first week of Advent to 24th Sunday after Penetecost, p 127-149 [+ 1p]
(engraving: “Les fleurs du grand Sainct Paul Apostre, et docteur des Gentils”, Gallays (active Paris, 1713)) “The Litanys of St Peter & St Paul”, p 150-153. “Oremus”, Latin prayer to Sts Peter & Paul, to St John the Evangelist in English, 19th century hand, [2p]; “The Litanys of ye Good Angel”, of St Michael, prayers to St Gabriel, to St Raphael , Salutations to glorious St Michael (13 of them) p 155-170
“Fifteen Salutations to our holy Mother St Clare”, p 171-176; “A Prayer to our holy Father” (St Francis), p 176 [+ 1p, + 1 p blank]; “Fifteen salutations to our glorious father St Francis”, p 177-182 (prayer completed in 19th century hand)
“The Litanys of Bd St Collet” , (followed by prayers to her + 2p of prayers to St Mary of Egypt, 19th century hand) p 185-192 [2p]
“The Litanys of ye sorrows of our Bd Lady”, p 209-212
(engraved title page) “La perpetuelle croix ou Passion de N. Seigneur Iesus -Christ Depuis la fin de sa vie a la fin du Monde”, (imprint cropped, see MS 13 for same series of 35 engravings but the prayers in this version slightly different, a fuller translation), p 213-285
“A prayer for spiritual communion. O Lamb of God who blots out by yr pretious blood”, p 286 [+1p]
(engraving “Jesus au Jardin des Olives”, A Paris chez Duflos (most likely Claude Duflos, 1665-1727)) “At Mass. When ye priest goes to the Alter Jesus went to ye garden sad & afflicted. I adore yu O my divine Saviour” (Another series of prayers to accompany Mass); Prayers and aspirations before, during and after communion, p 288-309, (text missing),314-15
“Prayer to St Mary Magdalen. O great St obtain for me”, p 193-194
“The Litany of St Mary Magdalen” [2p] (19th century hand)
“A Table of ye prayer containd in ys book” [2p]; (18th century hand)
“The circumcision” (prayer; l.h. margins lost in gutter ), p 305
(engraving “Les mages trouverent l'enfant avec Marie”, A Paris, chez Radigues (Jacques Vivencies, active 1720s or his son, Antoine, 1721-1809)), p 306
“A crown of 12 stars in honor of o/r B/d Savi/or. 1 All haile divine Jesus”, p 241-246; “A crown of 12 stars in honour of ye sacred Mother of God. 1 All haile divine Virgin & most refulgent starr”, p 148-252; (engraving: “Priere au St Ange Gardien”, Paris chez Jacques Chereau (1688-1776), p 252 verso); “A crown of 12 starrs in honour of our good Angel. 1 All hail O holy Angel celestial spirit”, p 253-257; (engraving: “Saint Joseph. Quels saints a Joseph sont egaux”), p 257 verso; “A crown of 12 starrs in honour of St Joseph. 1 All hail glorious St Joseph Father of Jesus”, prayers to St Joseph, “The Litanys of St Joseph”, p 258-263
“A devout prayer to our B/d Lady for all her 7 Feasts. O Most holy & Sacred Mother of my God, I S/r M[ary]: E[lizabeth Crag died 1752 or died 1825 both of Rouen],a miserable sinner” and other prayers to Our Lady, (another hand), [p 6]
A morning intention, The Litany of our holy Father Saint Francis, Prayers to St Mary Magdalen, To Blessed Saint Augustin, A Prayer for New Years Day, To our Angel Guardian, Prayers to our Glorious Mother St Clare for every day in the week (ends with Monday), (another 19th century hand), [p 7-24]
Pagination very irregular: [10], 266-287, [2, 3-10, 11-16, 17-86], 41-309, 314-15, 193 -94, [4], 305 -6, 241-263 [ie 265], [24p]. 
Size: 15.5 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Calf, spine glued with gilt fillets, large metal clasp, page edges red sprinkle

PCD MS 23   mid 18th century, after 1732
Devotions to honour the life of Our Blessed Lady and Elogia Mariana by Thomas Scheffler (printed Augsburg 1732)
>(engraving “Symbola B. Mariae Virg. Christi param signant Sol, Urbs, Lilia”, I. A. P, Augsburg), [p 1]
“Devotions to honnor the life of our Blessed Lady. 1 Almighty God having from all eternity determined to make himself man” (from her conception and Nativity to her death and Assumption, followed by various prayers to her and verses, with 32 engravings, most by M Engelbrecht from different series including 10 on the Magnificat with Latin verses, some by I. A. P. one by Crepy (Jean 1660-c.1730, Paris), p 1 - 127
Verses in English “Hark she is call'd; the parting howre is come/ Take thy Farewell; poor world! Heaven must go home” (based on Song of Songs; ends) “ Maria; men & Angels sing/ Maria; mother of our King/ Live Rosy Princesse, live & may/ we prayse thy name; in ye Eternal Day”, p 106-111; (resumes) “Maria men & Angels sing/ Maria mother of our King/ Live Rosy Princess, live & may ye bright/ Crown of a most incomparable light/ Embrace thy radiant browes” p 114
(Printed title-page) “Elogia Mariana olim a A. C. Redelio Belg: Mechl: S. C. M. L. P. concepta Nunc devotae Meditationi fidelium ad augmentum cultus B/mae MAriae Virg: Deiparae inventa et delineate per Thomam Scheffler, et aeri incise a Martino Engelbrecht Chalcographo Augustano. Cum Priv. Sac. Caes. Maj. 1732”. (Scheffler, probably Christof Thomas, the artist, 1699 or 1700 to 1756; Martin Engelbrecht, engraver, 1684-1756; series of 58 numbered engravings (lacking 9, 11, 16-17 cut out, 43, 44, 54 but 2 x 58) with series of 58 MS prayers bound between them illustrating the Litany of Loreto).
“Jesus Maria Joseph. Dulce nomen Domini nostri Jesu Christ...Hail happy Queen mother of mercy hail/ life; hope & comfort of ye earthly vail” (verse version of the Salve Regina). “2. O most admirable & incomprehensible Virgin who from all eternity had bin in ye adorable Idea of All God & whom he chose to be a vessel of election”; (ends) “O sacred Mother of God give me leave to love ye title of your highest honor”, p 2-236
1-127; 1-236, various series of engravings with pages of MS bound between 
Size: 15 x 9 cm
Binding: Sheep? Blind scrolled border, 2 metal clasps, page edges red

PCD MS 24   
A short compendium of the lives of the Saints of our holy Order for every day of the year 1720
“Those who desire the spirit of our holy Order, must have recourse to ye Saints of the Order. You will find heer two saints for every day of the year.... Say some prayer every day in their honor blessing God for ye glory they possess in heaven, & they will not faile to be mindfull of you whilst you are here in earth. Laudate Dominum in Sanctis ejus”. [p 6]
“A short Compendium of the lives of ye saints of our holy Order, for every day of the Yeare. January, Blessed Michael, John & Juonis martyrs.... 1562... The same day Blessed Catherin of Angels” (mostly 2 saints for every day, one male, one female, from 1 January to 31 December, ending with Blessed Juniper, laybrother and Blessed Luyza of Albertonn and 3 prayers; many of those commemorated are 16th century; the latest on September 26, Blessed Honoratus, 1650. Text ends) “Omnes Sancti, & Sanctae ordinis B. Francesci & Beatae Clarae orate pro nobis. Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1720”, p 1-242
[6, 5 of them blank], 1-242, [8 blank] 
Size: 17 x 10.5 cm
Binding: “False vellum”, triple blind fillet, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 25   later 19th century
“On the Grain of Wheat” and other meditations including one by Bishop Hedley
“On the grain of Wheat. Death to self” [p 1-12]; “On what the soul desires: What I desire is more close & more uninterrupted union with God” [p 12-19]; “Worthless being nothing: I think one may be too conscious on the subject of self-love” [p 22-28]; “To love God is to choose Him supremely as the one object of our life & end of our being” [p 28-35]; “On Mortification: I was very much stirred in my own conscience” [p 35-45]; “Judge not: If there is any precept specially enforced in the Gospels....” [p 46-52]; “St Catherine says Our wills of themselves are weak, but, anchored in the will of God they are strong” [p 52-55]; “Just let us take one of the beautiful fruits of the Holy ghost...” [p 56-58]; “Everything consists in the right ordering of the will...” [p 59-62; 63-67 blank]; “Hymn of St Augustine: At last I have Jesus after whom I've long sighed, I embrace Him whom I've longed for” [20 unrhymed verses, p 68-73; p 74 blank]; “Life Everlasting. Dr Hedley” (John Cuthbert Hedley, 1837-1915, Bishop from 1873, his Retreat published 1894) [p 75-81; p 82-101 blank; (some, at least, of the meditations seem to be the writer's own reflections)
Beginning from end of book, in pencil, same hand, random figures, (accounts?); “Butterfly (Tissue)” -instructions for making it; [p 1 -5]; “For a babys knitted Frock” [p 5]
[Printed, 4 pages folded] “ I. H. S. Jesus! Be to me a Jesus! Devout Prayers To excite confidence in the invocation of the Adorable Name of Jesus; with the approbation of the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle”
[Unpaginated; 108 pages] 
Size: 16 x 10 cm
Binding: Limp fabric covers, lined paper including account pages

PCD MS 26   18th & 19th century
Reflections on being a Poor Clare; English verse translations, written in various hands.
“If you desire to be a good Religious of St Clare comfort yourself according to these following advices for ye Love of God & your Perfection: First Be carefull never to look on ye actions of others” p 1-11; “A prayer to obtain ye Love of God: O my god & my Saviour” p 11-14; “You must think when you come to Religion, it is to be cut, carved & polis[h]ed by others” p 14-15; (verse) “No life so happy here below/ As theirs who daily mend it/ So safe they are, they need not know/ What day & hour will end it” (2 x 5 line stanzas) p 15
(begins mid-sentence; change of hand) “as a Seraphin in celestial love to be a Child of Obedience a violet in humility, a lilly in chastity”, (thanksgiving for Religious vocation based on the Magnificat) p 57-64
“If yu desire to be a good Religious of St Clare comfort yr self according to ye following advices for ye love of God & yr perfection. 1st Be carefull never to look on ye actions of others”; “A true Picture of a religious person. A true Religious is a person who out of ye desire she has to blot out of ye memory of God her past infidelities” p 161-165
(verse; change of hands) “Remember Man yt thou of Earth art made/ to earth you tend to earth you art daily swayed/ into the earth you quickly will be thrust/ there to dissolve and mix with common dust” p 166-167; “Of Judgment. O day of wrath! O dismall day/ wch shall the world in ruine lay/ And fix beyond the least debate/ Of all mankind the finall state” (10x 4 line stanzas), p 168-170; “Who can the terrors of my soule relate/ in the uncertainty of ys my state/ Justice hold fast ye scales whilst I/ surrounded am with my iniquity” p 170-171; “Of Hell. O useless groans? O slothfull tears!/ A vain desires! O fruitless fears!”, p 171-172; “Of heaven. O when dr Lord O when shalfrom [sic] eart shall I/ Take flight and to celestiall mansions/ To ye blest region whose Eternal light” p 172 (page/s missing or misnumbered); “For our Profession. Some years are now compleat since I did take/ Ys holy habit and seem to forsake/ Your vanitys”, p 177-180
(Loose in MS engraving? of St Clare with embossed decorative surround).
1-15, [16-20 blank]; p 57-64, 161-180 pagination irregular 
Size: 11.5 x 9 cm
Binding: , half leather, home-made, 19th century>

PCD MS 27   18th century
The Office of ye Abbess
>“The Office of ye Abbess. The Abbess in ye Monastery holds ye place of Jesus Christ, & to whom St Paul attributes ye name of Abbot, yt is father, wherof she takes ye name of Abbess, yt is Mother” [p 1-21]
[21 + 3p blank] 
Size: 10.5 x 8.5 cm
Binding: Vellum with ribbon & button closure

PCD MS 28   mid 17th century
The Life of Blessed Euphrosine (all in verse); Verse aspirations on psalms 41 & 121
“To ye most Glorious, Illustrious, Celestiall Princesse, and Immortall Spouse of Christ, ye mirror of Ladyes, and honour of sacred Virgins, ever Bd Saint Euphrosina. Daigne glorious Saint, ye honour of thy race/ Bright starre of beauty, radiant Sunne of grace” (preface, in verse, ends): “Thy ever humbly devoted, though poore Unworthy Supliant and Servante, Sister Catharin Magdalene” (Eveling(e), professed at Aire 1620, died 1668; p[ 1-3])
“The life of Blessed Euphrosina. I wish a Homers quil a Virgils verse/ A Cicero's sweet tongue for to rehearse/ The vertues graces and perfections rare/ Of yt sweet Saint, transcending all compare” (ends) “Immortall prayse to thee my soveraigne king/ To whom in heaven and Earth for ever bee/ Honour glorye and prayse Eternallye. 1 Tim,1 Regi saeculorum Immortali et Invisibili Soli Deo honor, et Gloria, in Saecula Saeculorum, Amen. Apoca 7. Benedictio, et Claritas, et Gratiarum action, Gloria, laus, honor et fortitude Deo nostro in Saecula Saeculorum, Amen”, p 1 - 144
“An aspiration after heaven upon the wordes of ye psalme quemadmodum desiderat Cervus ad fontes aquarum. Like as the thirsty Hart desires/ To tast the faire and Chrystall spring/ So unto thee my heart aspires/ My sovraigne Lord, my God and King” (16 x 6 line verses on Psalm 41:2 (Vulgate); [p 6]); “Upon those wordes of the 121 Psalme Laetatus sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi in domum Domini ibimus. My mourning Soule shall then reioyce/ With endlesse ioy and Iubily/ When she shall heare that happie voyce/ Shall bid her enter into the” (ends with a Latin prayer) “O quam gloriosum est regnum in quo tecum domine”, “Out of the 35 Chapter of the Soliloquies of Blessed Saint Augustine” [p 7-17]
[2 blank; 3; 1 blank], 1-144, [17 + 1 blank] 
Size: 15.5 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Calf (badly degraded), gilt fillet, gilt centre medallion of BVM & Child, spine gilt ornaments, traces of two ribbon ties replace by cord loops & button, page edges red

PCD MS 29    early 18th century
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ
“The Devotion to ye Sacred Hart of o/r Lord JESUS Christ. The Preface. Not long since there appeared a little book w/ch had for title, ye devotion to ye Sacred Hart of JESUS Christ” p 1-7
“Approbation. Of Mr Coliade Doctour of Sorbonne & Guardian of ye holy Cross at Lyons, (dated) At Lyons ye 21 of April 1691”, p 8-9
“The Devotion to ye Sacred Hart of o/r Lord JESUS Christ. The 1st part. 1 Chapter. What is understood by ye devotion of ye sacred Hart of JESUS Christ & in w/t it consisteth. The perticular obiect of ye devotion is ye immense love of ye Son of God”
(Some similarities with R. B's A devotion to the Sacred Heart of our Saviour Jesus Christ, collected from the French, 1711, Blom & Blom etc 895. Perhaps derived from La Devotion au Sacré Coeur de N. S. Jesus Christ, par un Père de la Compagnie de Jesus, (Lyon, chez Antoine & Horace Molin, 1691), attributed to Jean Croiset. Includes references to Fr Colombière SJ, sometime preacher to her royal highness the Duchess of York, Queen of Great Britain, p 17; Religious of the Visitation had a Mass sung in their Chapel at Dijon and the devotion has spread to Poland, Quebec, Malta, the Indies and China, p 25-26; chapter 6 gives examples of saints inspired by the devotion: Sts Clare, Gertrude, Mechtilda, Catherine of Siena, Elzear, Bernard, also Lanspergius, p 79-90, (for these authorities see MS 50) and Lewis of Gonzaga and Armella Nicolas, p 94; “A singular devotion to Bd Lewis of Gonzgue”, p [258-68]
[stubs of 7 leaves], 1-268, [ 1 blank, 4; stubs of 11 leaves] 
Size: 12 x 9.5 cm
Binding: Vellum, traces 2 fabric ties, page edges red sprinkled

PCD MS 30   copied 1712
Meditations pour l'octave du très Saint Sacrement, Le Miroir d'une Ame Religieuse and other prayers and meditations in English and French
“Da tuis fidelibus &c.” (Verse) “Our Lord is gone in glorious dress/ His heavenly kingdom to possess:/ On his triumphal chaire of state,/ Captivity did captive wayt” [p 1-2]
engraving “Loue soit le tres Saint Sacrement de l'hotel pour jamais”, Paris chez Radigue (active 1720s)
“Meditations pour l'octave du tres Saint Sacrement. Jesus est au tres Saint Sacrement avec toutes ses Grandeurs”; “pour toujours”; “continuellement” (8 sections each in 3 parts), [15p]
“Aspirations for all ye actions of ye day. When yu awacke in ye morning. Deus, Deus meus ad te de luce vigilo. Being up adore God & say”, “A morning purpose”, “Aspirations for ye actions of the Day” (Latin and English); “The Night prayer. Before Examine” (Latin and English); “An Examine”; “ Night prayers” (Latin and English); “Aspirations” (Latin and English); “An Universal prayer: O Almighty & mercifull Lord grant me grace ardently to desire all that is pleasing to you”; prayers to Our Lady of Salvation, St Joseph for a happy death, the Angel Guardian, Litany of the Good Angel (Latin), p 2-48; (engraving of Ste Marie Madeleine, Paris chez Jacques Chereau (c 1720-1750) between p 24/ 25; engraving “Pecheur, ma Mort est ton Ouvrage”, Paris, chez Chereau , between p 48/ 49)
“Le miroir d'une Ame Religieuse qui luy represente les principaux devoirs de son Etat” (lists 100 points; a work with this title printed at Liege, chez Joseph- Louis de Milst, 1699) p 49-126
“Instructions du Reverend Pere Armand Jean Abbé de la Trappe, pour une Superieure”, p 127-129
(engraving. “Gabriel annonce a Marie/ Un bien qui passe tous ses voeux”, between p 129/ 130)
“La premiere Semaine de l'Avent. Pour le St tems de L'Avent. La premiere Semaine” (meditation for each day through to Christmas, New Year, Epiphany) p 130-158; “Pour la Septuagesime. Du tems & de l'Eternite”, “De la Mort”, “Du Jugement”, “De l'Enfer”, “De la Componction”,p 158-200; “Pour le Saint tems de Paques. De l'imitation & de l'amour de Jesus Christ”, “De la presence de Dieu”, “Du desir de l'ame pour la jouissance de Dieu”, p 201-241; “Pour la Pentecoste”, “Pour la fete de la Ste Trinite”, “Pour l'Assomption de la Ste Vierge”, p 241-260; “De L'humilite”, “De la Charite”, “De la Solitude du Coeur”, “ De la Penitence”, p 260-285
(engraving: “S. Clara”) “For o/r holy Mother. For ye Feast of o/r holy & seraphicall Mother glorious Saint Clare. 1 Mirabilis Deus in Sanctis suis. Saint Clare, dos shine”, p 286-294 (Running title changes, p 289, to) “Instructions upon our holy Rule”; “If you will be a good poor Clare practise yt which follows. 1 Appropriate nothing to your self”, (25 brief points), p 294-297.
“For ye Angel guardian. For the feast & octave of the holy Angell Guardian. 1 Consider that the love which the angels beare our Lord Jesus Christ”, (14 points), p 298-310
“Instructions of our holy Father Saint Francis. 1 Our holy Father Saint Francis says our Rule is the book of life” (18 points), p 310-320
“Prayers & considerations upon the life & death of o/r blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. 1 O my God who can comprehend the designs of your Eternal Wisdom: you come forth of the bosome of your Eternal Father” (then concenption, Incarnation to The coming of the holy Ghost, the most holy Trinity, the most holy Sacrament, 71 numbered prayers), p 321-398
(engraving: “La Cene”, Paris chez Chiquet , early 18th century) “Prayers to the most holy Sacrament. 1 Adore Jesus Christ as Son of the living God” (ends) 33, “Adore Jesus Christ as y/r Ultimate end”, p 398-436; “A little Exercise for Communion. An act of Contrition: Behold O my Lord & my God this miserable creature”; “Devout Aspirations before the holy Communion. 1. O most divine Sacrament, precious & noble food” (33 points), “A recourse to the ever blessed Virgin Mary before Communion. First say Laudate Dnm omnes gentes”, “To our good Angell: O my dear Angel keeper”, “After Communion: O Lord my God perform in me”, “ Aspirations after you have Communicated. 1 Glory be to you my God & my life” (13 points), p 437-451
“Of ye divine comforts a virtuous soul enjoys in prayer: St Laurence Justinian says, The harts of ye just are enflam'd with the love of their Creator, whilst they are at their prayers”, p 451-455; p 455-6 blank; “A Table”, p 458-459
“Seven prayers to our holy Mother Saint Clare for each day of ye week. Sunday: O thrice happy saints blessed Saint Clare & Saint Collet”, [p 1-7]; “Fifteen salutations to o/r glorious & seraphicall Mother Saint Clare: I salute y/u O glorious Virgin blessed Saint Clare”, [p 7-12]
“Some chief points of o/r holy ceremonys. The chief points of our holy ceremonys in which we ought daily to renew o/r selves: The Sisters must be diligent & prompt in going to ye quire”, [p 13-20; ends at bottom of p 20]: “Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1712”
Loose: 2 x engravings, 10 x 8 cm, “La coutume et l'habitude, changent en fin le vice en nature, Ste Therese”, “La pudeur est comme la fleur des bonnes oeuvres, Tertullien”
[2, 3-4 blank, 1, 15], 2-459, [20] 
Size: 17 x 10.5 cm
Binding: Morocco, blind fillets & corner fleurons, spine blind ornaments, 2 metal clasps, page edges red, endleaves marbled

PCD MS 31    mid 18th century
Prayers and considerations on the life and death of our dear Redeemer Jesus Christ; Pious supplications of a poor sinner in time of Lent; other prayers, meditations and devotions on the Mass, the healing miracles of Jesus etc.
(Inscription cut out at front; pen trials, including “Tate”; page cut out)
“A Devout Prayer to bd St Ignatious: Bishop and Captain of God Ignatious who art vested with the stole of Immortality”, p 2
“The Litany of St Mary of Egypt”, p 3-7 “one good thought for ye scribler ye worst of sinners Sr M. Angels” (probably Margaret Ashby of Rouen, professed 1725, died 1773); p 8-9 blank (engraving removed from p 9)
“Prayers and considerations on the life and death of our d/r Redeemer Jesus Christ: O my God who can comprehend the designs of y/r Eternal wisdome”, (the life of Christ from conception to the coming of the Holy Ghost), “Prayer to obtain the 7 gifts of the holy Ghost”, p 10-82 (p 12-13 cut out; p 26-27, 36-37, 41, 69, 71-73, 75, 78-79, 83 blank, engravings removed); (p 42-43 cut out). Verse: “Now sadness with unusual terrors joyn'd/ Strike all his senses and oppress his mind/ Fear chills his sacred veynes and every pore”, p 44-45
“Pious supplications of a poor sinner to her d/r saviour and Redeemer in time of Lent upon the days Ghospell” (Ash Wednesday to Low Sunday), p 84-149 (page cut out)
“Prayer for the Renovation of Religious Vows: My god I bless your adorable majesty”, p 150, “ 1. A devout prayer to our Saviour Jesus Christ. Proper to be said every day to obtain a happy death”, p 152-3
“Stations for every day in the weak. The prayer in the Garden. Sunday. O hear a suppliant hart”, p 153-157, p 158 (blank, engraving removed from top of p 159)
Prayers to St John the Apostle, Latin and English p 150-161
“O God who art our protectour behold us in the adorable face of Jesus Christ our saviour” intercessions on the life of Jesus; Prayer to Our Lady; The Rosary of our Blessed Lady; more prayers to Our Lady, p 162-180
The Litanies, prayers and salutations to St Joseph, St Michael and the Good Angel; “A little Crown of 12 stars in honour of our good Angel”, p 180-197
“The Litanys of St Antony of Padua”, St Francis, p 197-213 (pp 200-213, 209-213 blank, 214-215 cut out)
“Prayers to ye most Blessed Sacrament. Adore Jesus Christ as ye Son of ye living God”, (ends) “Jesus is ye pledge of glory”, p 216-240; “An act of faith in ye presence of ye B/d Sacrement”, p 241-244, different hand, p 245 blank
“The life of ye Virgin Mary. The Conception. All hail divine virgin mirrour of purity”, p 246-258; engraving, Pieta, by H Wierx, “Vulneratus est propter iniquitates nostras” p 259; “The seven sorrow of our B/d Lady. O most glorious Mother of God”; “The Litany of ye sorows”, p 260-266
(Illustration removed) “Littanys of ye Holly Ghost”, of St Collet, p 266-276
(Engraving of nun before many hosts with MS “Oblatio Mundo tradisti pro ea”, p 277, one page cut out); “An Elevation to God to purify our selfs w/n we apear before him. O God infinitely holy infinately pure”, and other prayers, p 280-294; “A Preparation before Communion” and various acts and aspirations, p 294-302, p 303 blank, one leaf cut out; “After Communion. O fire O flames burn me consume me”, aspirations and prayers on Mass and confession, p 304-319, one leaf cut out
“Litanys of B/d St John Baptist”, prayers; “Prayers for a happy Deathe”, p 322-346, p 347 blank, one leaf cut out
Various litanies: “of ye good Passtour”, “of Reparation to ye B/d Sacrem/t”, “of Jesus Maria Joseph”, “of ye holly family”, “of St Mary Magdelen penitent”, p 350-369, one leaf cut out
“A Mass of ye Passion. Put in me O L/d I beseech y/u”, prayers to accompany the actions of the Mass, p 372-390
Illustration removed with MS “Sana Dne anima mea quia peccavi tibi”, “Sentiments to dispose a sick person to receive her Holly Viaticum”, p 391-397, leaf cut out
“Egrae animae gemitus sum ad medicum Jesum Christum. Canaean Woman”, p 400-411, one leaf cut out
“The Litany of our holly Mother St Clare” with series of seven prayers, p 412-419, (change of hand; prayer), p 419 [+ 2pp]
Printed “A prayer of St Jerome in time of agony” pp 205 - 206
[10 blank], 2-419, [2 + 4 blank] 
Size: 16.5 x 11 cm
Binding: Morocco, blind fillets with corner fleurons, edges gilt, spine blind fillets, page edges red, remains of 2 metal clasps, endpapers marbled

PCD MS 32   17th century
The Office and Duty of the Mother of the Sick
“The Office & duety of the Mother of the Sick. Allthough all Religious persons, & particularly such as are in Offices must have great charity towards their Sisters” [p 1-29]
“Of the Ceremonies which are used in the Infirmary, when any Sister is daingerously sick & also how to prepare the body for buryall & of those ceremonies which belong to the interring of it. If after having diligently applyed to the sick what the Doctour ordained, they find not any amendment”[ p 30-49] (Some sections have been deleted).
(Change of hand) “ When we are to assist & help ye sick we ought to compassionate them & shew them all kind of tenderness” [p 50-52]
[56]p 
Size: 14 x 9 cm
Binding: Sheep? Double blind fillet, remains of 2 metal clasps, stamped “1644” (cover detached)

PCD MS 33   1723
Devotions to Jesus Maria Joseph
[p 2 blank] “Devotions to Jesus Maria Joseph Drawn out of several learned french Authours 1723 Constituit eum Dnm domus suae Et principem omnis possessionis suae” (Psalm 104: 21 Vulgate) [p 3, p 4 blank]; “A Short Litany of Jesus” [p 5-10, 11-18 blank], “ Devotions to Jesus Maria Joseph Drawn out of several learned Authours 1723” [p 19, p 20 blank]
“Devotions to Jesus Christ. The first Part. Verces upon the Incarnation & death of our blessed Saviour. Come every creature & adore/ The power of love divine/ Which never did but on this day/ In all its beauty shine”; (ends) “If we by Gods deare love to us/ Our harts on him enamour/ What made God man, will make us Gods/ Since: Omnia vincit amor”, p 1-2
“Aspirations to ye divine Word Incarnate, upon all his titles as God & man. Divine Word, Son of God” (24 sections, ending) “The word Incarnate. Our Judg”, “The Word Incarnate our glory”, p 3-37
“Aspirations to the sweet & sacred Name of Jesus. O Jesus my health & my Salvation who saves all who hope in thee” ( 24 numbered sections), p 37-43
“The 9 great Antiphons for Advent. 1 O Wisdom which came forth from the mouth of the highest”, p 44-46
“7 Salutations to the sacred members of o/r blessed Saviour. To his sacred head & face. O most sweet Lord Jesus sovereign Prince of Eternity”, p 46-50
“A Crown of 12 starrs in honour of our blessed Saviour & divine Redeemer. 1 All hail divine Jesus”, p 50 [bis]-57
“The Litanys of the most sweet Name of Jesus”, “of the sacred Hart of Jesus”, “of the good Pastour”, p 58-74 [p 75 blank]
“Devotions to our blessed Lady. (verse) Haile sacred Virgin Mother of my God/ Refuge when as to thee recourse is had/ Assist me living aid me at my death”, p 75-76; “For the feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Lady. I Adore you omnipotent God Creator of heaven & earth”, “For the feast of the Nativity of our blessed Lady”, “For the feast of the Presentation of our blessed Lady”, “For the Annunciation of o/r blessed Lady”, “For the feast of the Visitation of our blessed Lady”, “For the feast of the Purification of our blessed Lady”, “For the feast of ye Assumption of our blessed Lady”, p 77-110; “A Crown of precious stones in honour of ye Blessed Virgin” (5 sections) p 110-115; “The 7 Joys our blessed Lady receive'd in this world”, “ The 7 Joys our blessed Lady receives in heaven”, “A Crown of 12 Starrs in honour of ye most Sacred Virgin”, p 116-127; “The Litanys of our blessed Lady drawn out of ye holy Scripture”, “A prayer to our Lady of Salvation”, “Another prayer to our blessed Lady to obtain a happy death”, p 128-139; “Three & thirty salutations to ye sweet Name of Mary: O dulcis Maria praeelecta filia Patris” (in Latin), p 139-143
Engraving of St Joseph and Child Jesus, “chez Landry”, Pierre 1630-1701 or his son, Francois, 1669-1720, Paris, surrounded by MS decoration, p 144; “Devotions to blessed St Joseph. A hymn in honour of blessed Saint Joseph. 1, May heavens loud host the Virgins Spouse proclaime/ And faithfull quires resound great Joseph's fame/ Who bright with merit has deserv'd to be” p 145-6; “An Oblation to St Joseph to offer our selves to him in the state of dependence which is due to him upon these titles of his, of his being the reputed Father of Jesus & the Spouse of our blessed Lady: Great & glorious patriarch St Joseph”, p 147-151; “The 7 Sorrows & joys of blessed Saint Joseph”, p 151-156; “Seven Salutations to blessed Saint Joseph for every day of ye week. For Sunday: I salute you blessed St Joseph depository of the incomparable treasures of heaven”, p 156-162; “Eight little adresses to St Joseph for his feast & Octave”, p 162-167; “A Little Crown of 12 Starrs in honour of glorious St Joseph”, p 167-173; “For the feast of blessed St Joseph: I acknowledg my God in the conduct you held over St Joseph”, p 173-178; “The Practise: The family God had upon earth during the mortall life of his son”, p 179-182; “A meditation of the excellencys of St Joseph” (3 sections), p 182-188; “The Litany of blessed St Joseph”, p 188-196; “Two prayers to St Joseph”, p 196-199; “Twelve little prayers to St Joseph to obtain a happy death. 1 O Gloriosissime Patriarcha Joseph” (in Latin), p 199-202; 203-204, blank
The Litany of Jesus Maria Joseph, various prayers, p 205-221; A Short Litany to Jesus Maria Joseph and prayers, p 221-228 (ends) “Soli Deo honor & gloria”
[20], 1-228, [18]  
Size: 17 x 11 cm
Binding: Morocco, blind stamped border, spine and edges, 2 metal clasps, red page edges, marbled end papers

PCD MS 34    early 18th century
“A pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem” (running title)
Written in the hand of Cecily Cornwallis (1656-1723) (probably written in Rouen).
Inscription on second front flyleaf: “Lent by holy Obedience to Sister Magaret Winifrid, 1771” (probably Margaret Winifred Eliot, professed Rouen 1767, died 1829).
“Brief Rules for ye pilgrims who tend to ye celestial Jerusalem. 1. They must endeavour to be deaf, dumb, & blind to all y/t dos not concern y/m”, (6 rules), [p 2-3], “Oratio. Crescat & roboretur desiderium Jerusalem coelestis in cordibus nostris”, “Aspiration: O Amantissime Jesu”, [p 4]
“A Pilgrimage to ye heavenly Jerusalem. Our glorious Mother Saint Clare says: Let ye Sisters be as pilgrims & strangers upon earth”; “Devout points upon ye Psalms” (six months each with 31 points upon the month's psalm) p 1-130
Loose: St Boniventures Religious hand (six “sayings” in ruled sections on single sheet)
[4], 1-130, [10 p blank] 
Size: 13.5 x 9 cm
Binding: Stiffened vellum, blind fillets, red & blue sprinkled page edges, traces 2 woven ties, fabric marker

PCD MS 35   Early 19th century
A paraphrase on the seven penitential psalms, on confession, Mass, litanies etc.
“Clare Joseph Pope” (1768-1817); Sr F Clare with leave (probably Russell, active 1846), [p 5]
A Paraphrase on the seven penitential psalms. The Antiphon. “Remember not O Lord our offences nor those of our parents neither take thou vengeance of our sins”, p [6], 1-139; [blank, decorated frame but no engraving] “Of sacramental Confession: As ye benefit of ye sacrament is ye greatest help we have in this life” p 140-161; “3 Days preparation for Communion before all great feasts, other preparations and intentions for Communion”, p 162-233; Acts of faith, hope and love, and other prayers and meditations mostly relating to Communion, p 233-289; “A Devout Prayer to our Saviour Jesus Christ proper to be said every day to obtain a happy Death”, p 290-293, leaf cut out; “The Litany of our B/d & glorious & holy Father St Francis”, “of St Clare”, “of St Joseph”, and other prayers, p 293 bis-309 (+ verso of engraving)
“At the beginning of mass”, (prayers to accompany each action of the Mass), p 1-34; “At Mass. When ye priest goes to ye altar, Jesus went to ye garden, sad & afflicted. I adore you O my divine Saviour entering into ye garden of Olives”, (each action of the priest at Mass related to Christ's Passion), p35-55; “A manner of hearing Mass when we consider it as a propitiation for our sins” (considerations and affections accompanying the actions of the Mass), p 56-110; “A manner of assisting at holy mass & preparing ourselves for death”, p 110-132; “A method of hearing mass for ye souls in purgatory”, p 133-149; “The manner of assisting at mass when we consider it as an impetretory sacrifice for w/ch end christ instituted it, yt we might thereby obtain all necessary graces to love & serve god”, p 150-170; “A paraphrase on ye seven penitential psalms” (no more than the antiphon( p 170
Part of a prayer p 310 on verso of engraving of exposed Host, “Ia Sartor fecit Lon”, 1715 - 1719 “This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven”; “A prayer beg our conversion to Jesus Christ in ye holy sacrement”, p 311-313 [+ 1 unnumbered]; “Maladictus qui facit opera Dei negligenter”. “Prayers before and after Confession”, (some in French), p 314-342; Prayers to keep our vows, to various saints, to Angel guardian, renewal of baptismal promises etc p 342-371. “The Litany of B/d St Collet” [9 p]
Printed: The fifteen mysteries to be meditated upon in saying the rosary, Jubilee prayers of 1751, p 303-314
[4 blank, 5-6], 1-309 [engraving], 1-170, 310-371, [9, 10-16 blank], printed p 303 - 314 
Size: 13.5 x 9.5 cm
Binding: Calf, blind border, spine gilt ornaments and lettering: “Recueil de prieres”, 2 metal clasps, red sprinkled page edges, marbled end papers

PCD MS 36   18th century
Meditations for all the Sundays & holy days throughout the year early (568-574 in later hand)
“Meditations for all the Sundays & holy days throughout the yeare. For the first sunday of Advent. The first point: There are three comings of our Saviour, according to the saying of St Bernard”, (ends) “The last holy Sunday after Penticost” (usually three points to each Sunday) p 1-263
“A Meditation for the feast of Blessed Saint Andrew”, (ends) “ A meditation for the feast of the Presentation of o/r blessed Lady”, p 263-557. “A meditation for the Dedication of our Church” (between St Bartholomew and Nativity of Our Lady, 24 August-8th September), p 558 blank
“A Table of the meditations contain'd in y/s Book”; (ends) “Soli Deo honor & gloria”, p 559-565, p 566 blank
“A Meditation for the feast of our blessed [sic] of Dolours”, p 567-570
(Added in a poor 19th? Century hand) “For the Feast of Saint Thomas Apostle”, p 571-574
(For another translation of the Sunday meditations see MS 50 below. Not J. Busaeus, Manuel de meditations devotes sur tous les dimanches et fêtes de l'année, (Paris 1655, 1668, 1669, 1677, 1688 etc)
[2 blank], 1-574  
Size: 18.5 x 13 cm
Binding: Calf, remains 2 metal clasps, later leather glued over, page edges red sprinkle, 2 fabric markers

PCD MS 37    early 18th century
Meditations upon our holy Rule and Ordinances
“Meditations upon our holy Rule & Ordinances, & the testament of our holy Mother Saint Clare”, p 1-457 (95 meditations each of three points. Ends) “Soli Deo honor (soli erased) & gloria” [p 458 blank] “A Table of the Meditations contain'd in this Book”, p 459-466 [+2, 14 p blank]
(Probably a translation of J. d'Ambrun, Meditations sur la regle de Sainte-Claire, (Lyon 1643, reprinted Annecy, 1877))
[4 blank, 5 start of an index, 20th? Century, 6-8 blank], 1-466 [+ 2, 14 blank] 
Size: 19.5 x 13 cm
Binding: Degraded ?stained calf, 2 metal clasps, red page edges, marbled end-papers

PCD MS 38   early 18th century
The duties and sentiments of a penitent soul contained in the 7 penitential psalms
“The first penitential Psalm. The dutys & sentiments of a penitent soul contain'd in ye 7 penitential Psalms. The first Psalme. 1 v. Lord rebuke me not in thy anger”, p 1-199
(i.e.psalms 31, 37, 50, 101, 129, 142 Vulgate numbering. Possibly La veritable penitent; ou les sentimens et les devoirs d'une ame penitente contenus dans les sept pseaumes de la penitence by Jean Girard de Villethierry, (Paris, 1689 or 1709))
“In what manner we must perform all our actions holily. It is certain that the greatest part of Religious persons are lost for want of performing holily, holy actions” p 199-220
[2 blank, embossed stamp: St Clare's Abbey Darlington], 1-220 [6 blank] 
Size: 19 x 12 cm
Binding: Vellum, traces 2 metal clasps, page edges marbled

PCD MS 39    early 18th century
A Letter of the Lord Cardinal of Berulle; Of our holy ceremonies (various hands with many alterations and deletions)
Engraving, “Jesus presente devant Caiphe”, Paris, J. Chereau (c 1720-1750)
“A Letter of the Lord Cardinal of Berulle to dispose Religious souls, to that Reverence & assiduity which they ought to have in ye Quire & at ye Divine Office” [p 1-18] another translation, MS 46; engraving, “Le Sauveur expose aux moquerie, Paris, chez Chereau”
“Our holy Ceremonys. An Exhortation for the better performance of the Divine Office. The Congregations of spiritual persons are holy & a strong bullwork not to be vanquished, therfore all ye Sisters who are not hinder'd by holy Obedience, shall as soon as they heare the first sign”; “The manner of reading the divine Office”, p 4; “Of the work”, p 8 [change of hand p 9 - 16]; “Of Recreation”, p 12; “Of ye reception of any one into ye holy Religion”, [p 15]; “Of Poverty”, p 16; “Of Obedience”, p 23; “Of Chastity”, p 28; “Of Humility” p 32; “Of mutual Charity & Union”, p 38; “Of Silence Recolection & speaking at the speak house”, p 40; “What is to be observ'd at the speak house”, p 46; “Of fasting & taking refection”, p 52; “The chief points of o/r holy Ceremonys in w/ch ye sisters must daily renew y/m selves”, (marked for reading aloud),p 58-64.
Engraving: “L'Imaculee Conception, Paris chez Chiquet”, early 18th century “The Ceremonys to be observ'd in ye moveable feasts of ye yeare. How ye first Responce is to be read upon Advent Sunday: The Cantours at ye peremptory”, p 65-94 (many alterations, deletions, 19th century addition)
“What is to be observ'd in ye solemnitys of o/r b/d Lady & the Saints. Upon ye feast of Saint Collet” (many deletions), p 95-109
“What ye Community is observe [sic] in publick Cloathings”, p 109-114; “What is to be observ'd at private Cloathings”, p 114-116; “What ye Community is to observe at Professions”, p 116-119
Loose paper “What is to be observed on”, note to reader, after p 12
Loose printed death notice for “Soeur Caterine Elizabeth de Freneuse ditte de Ste Colombe, Abbaye de Saint Amand, 6 Aout 1733”; Pencil notes “For a Lay Brother” + page refs to another work on dorse.
[1-18], 1 - 119 
Size: 20 x 15 cm
Binding: Stained, marbled calf, gilt fillet, page edges red sprinkle, two paper wrappers

PCD MS 40   early 18th century
The first treatise of the four last ends of man
Flyleaf: “Library” [p 1]
“A Table of the Chapters of the first treatise Of the fower last ends of Man. The first Book. Of Death”, p I-VI; “The Preface: Whether it is for our own salvation that we wou'd labour, or for the salvation of those who have yet no thought of this great affayr”, p VII-X
“The first Treatise of the fower last ends of man. The first book. Of Death. The first Chapter. That “tis strange men shou'd think so little of death, since it is alwayes offering it self to their vieu, & that the thoughts of it are of such infinit importance for them”, p 1-69; “The second book & first Treatise of the 4 last ends. Of Judgment & Hell. First Chapter: How profitable the thought of Judgment is”, p 70-101; “The 6 chapter. Of Hell”, p 101-139; “The first Treatise. Of the fower last Ends of man. The third Book”, p 139, “Of Heaven. 1st Chapter: That after having spoke of hell, tis profitable to treat of Heaven” p 140; “The second Treatise Of Christian Vigilance. Containing several means for keeping the presence of God”, p 254-336 (15 chapters. Ends) “Soli Deo honor & Gloria””
Pierre Nicole, 1625-1695, Essais de morale, 4 volume, contenant deux traitez, le 1 sur les quatre dernières fins de l'homme, le II sur la practique de la vigilance, 6th ed, (Paris, 1688). The translation is not the same as Moral essays contained in two treatises: the first concerning the four last ends of man; the second concerning the practice of Christian vigilance, (London, 1696). Nicole was a supporter of Jansenism
[2 blank], I-X, 1-336, [11 blank] 
Size: 21.5 x 16.5 cm
Binding: Calf, blind fillet, edges blind border, page edges marbled

PCD MS 41   18th century & 20th century
Prayers and Litanies
“Where they are to goe in procession. The Visitation of o/r Lady. The procession goes to ye workhouse”; “After o/r holy Mother's Octave is ended”; “The Nativity of o/r Lady”, [p 2]
“Les Litanies” (printed), p clxxxvij-clxxx.
[p 1 blank] “A Table of what is contain'd in ye Book” [p 2]
“The 7 Sorrows of our blessed Lady. The first sorrow. O most glorious Virgin Mother of God”, p 1-9 “The Litany of ye 7 Sorrows” (Latin), p 9-11
“The Cloister prayers. The prayers for ye Souls in purgatory for ye seven Sundays in Lent” (each ends with Pater. Ave), p 12-14.
“The 30 days prayer. A prayer to our blessed Lady which being said 30 days together, one may obtain therby whatsoever they demand. Holy Mary perpetuall Virgin of Virgins”, p 15-19
“The 7 Joys & Sorrows of Blessed Saint Joseph. 1 Glorious Saint Joseph by the extream grief”, p 20-23. “ The Litany of our blessed Lady”, “Prayers of divers feasts of o/r Lady” (annotated, printed readings, Tournai, 1950), p 24-29; “The Litany of all ye holy Angels”, p 29-34; “The Litany of St Michael”, p 34-38; “The Litany of ye good Angell”, p 38-50; “This Litany follows that of our Angel Custos in ye procession upon his feast about the cloister”, p 51-54; “The Litany of St John Baptist”, p 54-57; “The Litany of B/d St Joseph”, p 57-60 (+ loose 20th century, 1940, version); “The Litany of Saint Joachim”, p 60-63 (one prayer in English); “The Litany of St Anne”, p 64-66; “The Litany of our holy Father”, p 67-69; “The Litany of our holy Mother St Clare”, p 70-72 (printed prayer stuck in ); “The Litany of St Antony of Padua”, p 72-75; “The Litany of Blessed Saint Collet”, p 75-79; “The Litany of St Catherin of Bolonia”, p 80-82; “Of ye holy Family”, p 83-85; “The Litany of St Peter & St Paul”, [p 1-3]
[Loose at end: Litany of our holy Father; Litany of our holy Mother, 20th century MS; 3 printed extracts: “ Hymnus SS Ambrosii et Augustini” (ie Te Deum); “Officium S. Clarae virginis” and “Litaniae” (with MS additions pasted over), p 133-613 ( ie 136); “Le Premier de Novembre. La Feste de tous les Saints”, p 511-512. All in Latin]
[2], clxxvij-clxxx printed, [2], 1-85,[3]; loose MS and printed items, p 15-16, 133-6, 511-12 
Size: 22 x 14.5 cm
Binding: Calf, leather reinforcement glued on spine and corners, red sprinkled page edges, 2 purple ribbon markers

PCD MS 42   19th century
An Abridgment of the life of Anne Catharine Emmerich; front flyleaf embossed stamp: St Clare's Abbey , Darlington
“An Abridgment of the life of Anne Catharine Emmerich”, p 1-109, [p 7 blank]
“Extract from the Belgian Preface” p 1-3; [p 4 blank]; “Introduction”, p 5-9; “Preamble”, p 9-14
“Preparations for the Pasch Holy Thursday 29 of March”, p 14-81; “The Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. If thou knowest not how to meditate on high and heavenly things, rest on the Passion of Christ” (from) “Imitation of Christ, B.2 c.1.” p 81. “Preamble. The evening of the 18th of February 1823, a friend of the sick sisters approached her bed”, p 82-517
“Appendix. Of some fragments which throw a light upon the meditation of the Passion”, p 517-522
(Sister Anna Katharina Emmerich, 1774-1824. The community possessed two editions of the French translations printed 1836 and 1854; English translations were printed frequently from 1862 onwards)
[4 blank flyleaves], 1-109, [p 7 blank], p 1-522, [p 2 blank] 
Size: 21 x 16.5 cm
Binding: Sheep? Page edges red sprinkled, consisting of two types, changing at p.273

PCD MS 43-44   1716-1720
Advices and Reflections upon the duties of a Religious State
A translation of Jean Paul Du Sault, Avis et reflexions sur les devoirs de l'etat religieux: pour animer ceux qui l'ont embrasse a remplir leur vocation... first printed at Toulouse 1706, 3rd edition Paris, 1716, in three volumes; the first volume of this translation is missing

PCD MS 45   19th century
Stations of the Cross
“An Act of Contrition. O Eternal God & sovereign Lord of my Soul, behold me here prostrate”, p 1-3. “The First Station. Jesus is condemned to death by Pilate, this Station represents Pilate's Palace and Praetorium. Consider O my Soul guilty of a 100000 Crimes”. (Each station thereafter begins V: Adoremus te Christe, R: Quia per sanctam crucem, with meditation and prayer in English, ending with Pater, Ave &c, Miserere and verse of Stabat Mater in Latin, p 5-45). “The last Station being finish'd they go before the high Altar” (various intentions and Latin blessings), [p 45-49]
[stubs of 3 leaves, 49, 1 blank, stubs of 2 leaves]; [p 4 blank; p 5-6 in a different hand] 
Size: 19.5 x 15 cm
Binding: Stained calf, blind fillets, edges + spine gilt tooled, page edges red sprinkled, endpapers marbled

PCD MS 46   end 19th century
On being a Superior. On paper cover in biro: “On being a Superior. Meditations by a Sister”
“Introduction. I. What a heavy burden is that of a Superioress! But the religious who accepts it through obedience & who hears from the lips of those who have authority over her those sweet words of Jesus Christ to St Peter”, p 1-163 [+2p]
On p 17 6 chapters are listed, but this text ends with chapter 5, section 1, “Union with God”)
Four items loose in MS.“Instructions for Superiours.1 The device of a true superiour in respect of ye souls God has confided to her, is yt of St Paul”, p 321-340 (ends midway through section 25).
Small printed prayer card illustrating the Lord's prayer.
1-163 [ + 2 p, remainder of notebook blank] 
Size: 18 x 11.5 cm
Binding: Linen covered notebook, paper cover glued over, blue marbled page edges, marbled endpapers, lined pages.

PCD MS 47   1727
The Book of Ceremonies and Observances of our Convent
“The Book of the Ceremonyes and Observances of our Convent with Certain holy instructions and Exhortations gathered out of divers Holy ordinances. 1723. First of the Distribution of time and what is comonly to be observ'd The whole Day by all such as Follow the Community and are not other-wise imployed by obedience or by their office. First at the time of matins, the Sister apointed to keep the night watch shall be so deligent as whether she be in the Quire, or with some sick, she faile not to ring the first peal presently at the half hour after a Leven”, p 1-40; “The Ceremonies to be observ'd in ye Divine office, and an Exhortation For ye Better Performance thereof. The congregations of spirituall persons are holly, & a strong bulworke not to be vanquished”, p 40 etc; “the Observance at the Cloathing of any”, “for a Profession”, p 150-160; “Of the Poverty of the Habit”,“Of Obedience”, “Of The Vow of Poverty”, (p 176-77, the dimensions of buildings); (ends) “The Duty of the sick”, “The Duty of all the Sisters in Office”, “The Chapter of Visitation”, p 218-250; “Laus Deo, Mariae Virgini, Francisco et Clarae In Eternum et Ultra. Finis. 1727”, p 250. “Index Pagina”, p 251-252 [+ 1]
1-252 [+ 1p, 31 blank] 
Size: 20 x 16 cm
Binding: Stained calf, degraded, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 48   1715
Pious Collections. Instructions for the Divine Office, for Holy Communion, for Prayer etc.
Written in the hand of Cecily Cornwallis (1656-1723) (probably written in Rouen). Inscription on front fly leaf: “Sister Mary Clare given her by her poor old Mother S/r Frances Benedict Abb an 1741” (pencil figures around the date. The Abbess is Frances Clifton, 1665-1756, so 76 years of age in 1741; Mary Clare is Mary Wilbraham, died 1743 aged 49, both of Rouen)
Cut-out engraving with biblical quotations written around it. “Aspirations to ye 9 Quires Angells. You Seraphins who sing & never rest/ most holy holy Lord of hosts & might/ send down one spark into my frozen brest” (12 x 6 line English verses), [p 4], p 3 blank
“A Letter of ye Illustrious Cardinal of Berulle to dispose Religious souls to that reverence & assiduity which they ought to render to ye Quire & to ye divine Office. The grace of Jesus Christ o/r Lord & ye benediction of his most holy Mother be upon you for ever”, (p 13-36. Pierre de Berulle, 1575-1629; another translation, MS 36) [1 p blank]
“Pious Collections. Of the divine Office. The Sisters are bound to say ye divine Office. Immediately after ye first peale is rung all ye Sisters shall come to ye Quire to prepare their harts for our lord”, p 1-36; “Instructions & preparations for ye holy communion”, p 36-83; “Instructions for prayer”, p 83-111; “Reflexions upon ye obligations of our Baptismal vows”, p 111-118; “Reflextions on ye benefit & grace of Confirmation”, p 118-121; “Instructions for great Vigills”, p 121; “Reflexions for ye feasts of ye Saints”, p 121-124; “Consideration upon time”, “upon death”, “upon Judgment”, p 124-137; “Reflexions upon hell”, “upon heaven”, “upon ye benefits of God”, p 137-147; “Of gratitude to God”, “Of ye presence of God”, p 147-150; “Motives of feare & compunction”, p 150-172; “Instructions how to acquire the knowledg of o/r selves”, p 172-191.
“Of ye perfection of a Religious state: The Conventual life hath been instituted for persons who desire to serve our Lord in spirit & truth”, p 191-193; “Of Religious Poverty”, “Obedience”, “Religious & fraternal Charity”, “Of Humility”, p 193-209; “A prayer for ye renovation of our religious vows”, p 210-212; “Instructions for ye sick & infirm”, p 212-227; “Reflections in tribulation & affliction”, p 227-230.
“A short explication of some verces of the psalms. Lex Dni immaculate convertens animas. The law of o/r Lord is immaculate”, “Beati Immaculati p: 118. The prophet admires ye happiness of those that observe ye law of God etc” (Psalms 18:8, 118:1, 3, 105, 2, 10, 165, 120; 1:2, 118:2, 32 , Vulgate numbering) p 230-235.
“Instructions & advices of our holy Founders. My deare children you have promis'd great things, but much more greater are promis'd you” p 235-256; “Admonitions of o/r blessed & seraphical holy Mother Saint Clare. Our holy Mother says that if we live according to o/r Rule, we shall leave good example to those that shall come after us” p 256-8; “Instructions of St Catherin of Bolognia. I Catherin a poor Bolonian have written ye following instructions, with my own hand, in ye convent of Corpus Christi of Ferrara, in ye chamber cover'd with bows & bulrushes in which I lived” (St Catherine of Bologna, 1413-1463, at Ferrara 1427-1456, abbess of Bologna 1456-1463), p 258-280; “The last speech of our Venerable & deare Mother Foundress. My deare Children, I have formerly said all that I have to say” (first Abbess of Rouen, 1644-1658, Sister Mary Francis (Taylor)), 280-285; “The last words of o/r R/d Father Confessour Mr Robert Rookwood, My deare & ever dearest Children who as St Paul, I may say are my glory, & my crown” (1588-1668, ordained Rome 1621, to Gravelines 1626 and moved to Rouen at the foundation, 1644, dying there, 1668), p 285-287; “Instructions of ye R/d Mother Mary Goudge first Foundress of ye English poor Clares”, (Mary Goudge/ Gough or Goch, in religion Mary Stephen, was first Abbess of Gravelines, 1608-1613), p 287-299 (ends) “Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1715”
[p 1 blank], 301-303: “A Table of what is contain'd in this book”, [304-10 blank]
Loose in volume
[5 blank; 4, 3 blank; 13-36, 37 blank], 1-299, [ 1 blank, 301-303, 304-310 blank] 
Size: 20 x 13 cm
Binding: Calf, red page edges

PCD MS 49   1727
The sufferances of Our Saviour Jesus Christ
“The Sufferances of our Saviour Jesus Christ In His Passion. The Third and The Fourth Part. Written originally by Father Thomas of Jesus of the Holy order of the Hermitts of St Austin. And Translated into English for the Use of the most Virtuous Poor Clares of Ayre. May the 17th Anno Dni 1727 [p 1, p 2 blank], “A Table of the Chapters 32-50”, [p 3-5, p 6 blank]”
“The Suffrances of Jesus Christ ye 32/d Chap: They spitte on ye face of our Sav/r”, p 1-[360]; (ends) “To the Honour of God the Ever Glorious Virgin Mary our Holy Father St Francis our Holy Mother St Clare and all the Holy Saints. July the 2/d 1727. Sister Mary Michael Mylott” (Sister Mary Michael was professed at Aire 1726 and died there 1770 aged 67).
Thomas of Jesus, 1529-1582, born in Lisbon, wrote Os trabalhos de Jesus while imprisoned by the Moors in Africa after 1578. French translations were published by Michallet in Paris (active 1671-1700), in Brussels in 1705, and in Lyon by Bruyset.
[6], 1-357 [+ 358-360] 
Size: 21 x 15.5 cm
Binding: Stained calf, red sprinkled page edges

PCD MS 50   1728
The Way of the most Holy Cross
Front flyleaf, in pencil: Sister Maria Magdalen [Birdsall?] With leave, 1836
“The Way of the Most Holy Cross Wherein is treated of many Interiour & Exteriour Paines & ye Method how to make a Christian Use of them. Written in French by Mr Henry Marie Boudon D D: & great Arch- Dean of Evreux. And Done into English for ye Use of ye most Virtuous Poor Clares att Ayre 1728”
“The Epistle Dedicatory To ye Queen of Heaven & Earth”, p [7-8]
“To my most Religious sisters ye most Virtuous Poor Clares att Ayre. I presume most Virtuous Sisters to present y/u a Small treatise cald ye way of ye Holy Cross” (ends): “Ever with all Affection & Sincerity Most d/r Sisters Your most Unworthy Sister & most Humble Serv/t & c”, p [9-11]
“The Table of ye Chapters, (4 books each of 8 chapters, each book concluding with a prayer to Our Lady); [p 12-14]”
“The Way off the Holy Cross. The first Book. The first Chapter. The Science of the Cross is a Hidden Mistery”. (decorated half title), p 1-2x9 (vere 260, overwritten; ends): “Jesus Maria Franciscus Clara Amen” (decorated)
The translator and copyist is Sister May Michael Mylott. The hand agrees exactly with the previous signed MS 49
Henri Marie Boudon, 1624-1702, a popular spiritual author: Les Saintes Voyes de la Croix went through many editions eg 1671, 1673, 1679, 1682, 1685, 1687, 1688, 1698; editions of 1716, 1752, Paris, survive in the Community's collection, PoorClares 0657, 0128.
[4 blank, 5, 6 blank, 7-14], 1-259 [i.e.260; 4 blank] 
Size: 21 x 16 cm
Binding: Stained calf, spine gilt tooled with gilt label “The holy Cross”, page edges red sprinkle, marbled end-papers

PCD MS 51   early 18th century
Meditations for each day of the week from 15th Sunday after Pentecost to Friday after the 5th Sunday after Epiphany
Fly leaf: “St Clare's Abbey, Darlington”, embossed stamp
“A Meditation for ye 15th Sunday after Penticost. The Resurrection of the Widows Son of Naim, is a figure of ye spiritual Resurrection of o/r soules. The first point. As Jesus approached to the town, they carried to burial the only Son of a widow, & a great troop follow'd them”, p 1
(Ends mid sentence, in the third point for the Friday after the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany) “God as says the Apostle has chosen the weakest things of this world, to confound the strongest, what more base then the crib, what more feeble then the cross; amongst all the works of God the most excellent & the most admirable have not been wrought in the splendor”, p 195
For another translation of the Sunday meditations, see MS 33 above (not by L. Abelly or J. Nouet; other possibilities: J. Hayneufve, P. Segneri, M. Beuvelet).
1-195 
Size: 22 x 14 cm
Binding: Calf sprinkle stained with blind tooled border and leather reinforcements stuck on, edges gilt, spine gilt fillets, gilt lettered “Meditati” and label “4”, traces 2 metal clasps, marbled end papers, fabric marker

PCD MS 52   1732, 1736
The Stations of the Passion; The Colloquies of Calvary; The Stations of the Passion by Leonardo of Port Maurice; Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“To ye Sacred Heart of Jesus. To your Sacred & Amorous Heart O Adorable Lord Jesus I offer & dedicate ye small products of my weak Endeavours”,[p 3-4]
“The Stations of the Passion of our D/r Redeemer Jesus Xt. Done into English for the use of ye most virtuous Poor Clares att Aire. By their Unworthy Sister & Servant S: M M &c”[p 5 decorated title page; 6 blank]
“To my Religious Sisters ye Holy & Vertuous Com[m]unity of English Poor Clares in Aire. Faithfull Adorers of y/r Crucifyd Lord Jesus! & Devout Contemplators of the Dreadfull Misterys of Mount Calvary accept this Treatise of ye Stations of y/r Spouses Passion w/th some Meditations of ye bloody Tragidy of ye only Begotten & well beloved Son of God”; (ends) “recomend my tepid & Sinfull Heart to Our Agonizeing Jesus & his Dolorous Mother yt his precious blood may not be shed in vain for Your Unworthy Sister & Serv/t in Xt S: Mary Michael” [p 7-8, 9 blank]
Full page illustration of the Instruments of the Passion [p 10]
“The Stations of ye Passion of Jesus Christ Crucifyd yt are in Jerusalem. The first Station. Ye Cenacle where our B/d Saviour Instituted ye B/d Sacrament. The Hall of ye sacred Canacle where our Saviour washd his Apostles feet & Instituted ye B/d Sacrament of his Body & Blood before his Passion is 24 paces long & 16 broad” (distance between each of the 18 stations and size of each location given in paces), p 1-52
Translation of Adrien Parvilliers SJ, 1619-1678, La devotion des predestines, ou les stations de Jerusalem, (many editions and translations from 1676; English translation of 1796, PoorClares 0559).
Decorated title page: “The Colloquies of Calvary or Meditations in the Passion Of our Lord Jesus Christ. Translated for ye m/t Vertuous Poor Clares at Aire Anno Dni: 1732” [p 4 blank; full page illustration of chalice, host and wounds, p 5] “The Colloquies of Calvary or Meditations on the Passion Of Jesus Christ”, p 1-120
Translation of Noel Courbon, d.1710, Les Colloques du Calvaire, ou méditations sur la Passion de notre Seigneur Jesus Christ, from at least 1680 (an English translation by Henry Rutter, 1807, Poor Clares 0572).
“The Stations of ye Passion or ye Way of ye Holy Cross Dedicated to ye Dolorous Virgin Mary By R. F. Leonard del Porto Maurizio who compos'd ye Book at Rome. Advice to ye Reader. Behold most D/r Reader ye sacred way made plain” (introduction, Act of Contrition and 14 stations, each followed by Versicle, Response and Latin prayer) [The Act of Contrition following p 120 of the previous item should follow the “Advice” after [p 10]; p 42]. Leonardo al Porto Maurizio, 1676-1751, was a popular Franciscan preacher
[p 1 blank; illustrated title page]: “I offer y/u D/r Jesus my Sinfull Heart Vouchsafe to purify & Enflame it in ye Furnace of y/r Burning Charity. Amen. MM. 1736”.
“Reverend Father, I am oblig'd to declare to yr Rev/ce ye Stupendous favours w/ch my D/r Lord has done me” (Account of the visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-90, concerning the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her director, Claude de la Colombière's (1642-82) accounts and comments, followed by comments about and prayers to the Sacred Heart by St Bernard, Cardinal Peter Damien, St Mechtilda, the Author of the Interior Christian (Bernières Louvigny, 1602-1659), St Clare, St Catherine of Siena, St Elzear, Lanspergius, Triumph of divine love, the life of Armelle Nicolas, (she died in 1671 and her life was published in various editions from 1676 by Olivier Echallard and Jeanne de la Nativitée similar authorities are cited in MS 28, chapter 6, p 1-19); “some short rules for those yt desire to be Associates of the Confraternity of ye Sacred Heart of Jesus” [p 20]; “Colections taken from ye Book of the Sacred Heart of Jesus & an Abridgment of ye Devotion out of ye Life of ye Venerable Servant of God Margaret Mary Alecocq to whom y/s Devotion was reveal'd” [p 21-22]; “A Coppy of a Letter w/ch she writ” [p 22-25]; “Generall Rules for those of ye Confraternity” [ p 25-26]; “An Act of Consecration to ye Sacred and Amiable Heart of Jesus. Adoreable Heart of Jesus! Undrainable Source of all Virtues! What have you found in me to Induce you to love me to such an Excess” [p 27-28]; “An Act of Love: I have nothing O my Jesus I am Nothing & I can do Nothing”, “A Prayer of St Gertrude: I salute O Sacred Heart of Jesus Living fountain of Eternall Life, burning Furnace of Divine Love”, “An Offering in time of Mass: Eternall Father permit me to offer y/u the Sacred Heart of y/r beloved Son”, “An Act of Adoration: Jesus my God & Saviour whom I firmly believe is truly & Really present in ye most holy Sacrament”, “An Act of Contrition: O my God & my Saviour whose heart was pierced & wounded with Love” [p 29-31].
[2 blank, 3-5, 6 blank, 7-8, 9 blank, 10] 1-52; [2 blank; 1 title page, 2 blank, illustration] 1-120 [2 p misbound, 2 blank; 14 (misbound page 2 ), 42; 2 blank, 1 blank with title page on verso, 31]  
Size: 20 x 14 cm
Binding: Calf, blind fillets, spine gilt fillets, single metal clasp, page edges red sprinkle, faded

PCD MS 53   1710
The Virgins Solitude or the Life and Virtues of the ever blessed Virgin
Decorated title-page border. “The Virgins Solitude or The Life and Virtues of The Ever Blessed Virgin. Taken out of ye Gospel and ye holy Fathers and put into Meditations for an eight Days spiritual Exercise. Proposed as a Model of Perfection unto all Virgins Consecrated to God, either by ye Vows of Religion, or by a devout and more retired Life In ye world. Translated out of French, by an English Franciscan Friar. 1710”, [p 1, p 2 blank, p 3 decorated head-piece, p 4-7 blank, p 8 full page ink decoration, p 9-11 blank]. “The Virgins Solitude or The Life and virtues of The Ever Blessed Virgin. Taken out of ye Gospel”; (decorated tail-piece) 1710 [ p 12]; “A Table of the Meditations and Considerations one ought to make during the time of this Spiritual Exercise. For the first Day” [p 13-17, p 18 blank]; “The Virgins Solitude” (decorated tail-piece), [p 19, p 20 blank]
“The Virgins Solitude or The Life and Vertues of The Ever Blessed Virgin. The First Meditation for the First Days. The first Conception of ye Virgin Mary, in ye Eternal Ideas of God”, p 1-302 (ending with the 8th Day) “3/d Meditation. Consideration on ye Relaxations in a Spiritual Life”
A translation of Claude Gentil, SJ (1645-1704) La Solitude des Vièrges ou la Vie et les Vertues de la très-sainte Vièrge. Tirée de l'Evangile, des Saints Peres, mises en meditations pour une retraite de huit jours. Modele de perfection proposée toutes les Vièrges consacrée á Dieu, soit par les voeux de Religion, soit par l'etat d'une vie plus retirée dans le monde. Paris 1696; Lyon 1704 (copy of latter, PoorClares 0303).
[20], 1-302, [3] 
Size: 20.5 x 15.5 cm
Binding: Calf, sprinkle stained, spine and edges gilt tooled, 2 metal clasps, page edges blue & red sprinkle

PCD MS 54   1710
The Virgins Solitude, or the Life and Virtues of the ever Blessed Virgin Mary
“The virgins Solitude or the Life and Virtues of the ever Blessed Virgin Mary. Taken out of the Gospell and the holy Fathers and put into Meditations for an eight days spiritual Exercise. Propos'd as a Model of Perfection unto all Virgins Consecrated to God, either by the Vows of Religion, or by a Devout and retired Life in the World. Translated out of French by an English Franciscan Friar not worth Naming. In the year of our Lord 1710”. (Decorated title-page border), [p 5]; “A Table of the Meditations and Considerations One ought to make during the time of this Spiritual Exercise” [ p 7-12], (decorated head and tail pieces)
“The Virgins Solitude or the Life and Virtues of the ever Blessed Virgin. The first Meditation for The first Day. The first Conception of the Virgin Mary in the Eternal Ideas of God” (decorated borders), p 1-383 (ending with the 8th day, 3rd Meditation. This MS includes the Latin marginal references to Scripture and the Fathers not given in the previous MS)
Translation of Claude Gentil SJ, La Solitude des Vierges ..., as PCD MS 53
“A short Distribution of time during a Spiritual Retreat”, p 1-10; “A Method of Meditation for Beginners”, p 11-19; “The Practice of Meditation”, p 20-34 (ends in decorated heart inscribed) “Pray for a poor Sinner, who Presents unto you these small fruits of his labours, with all the Affection of his Heart” (decorated head and tail pieces to each section).
[4 blank; 5, 6 blank, 7-12], 1-383, [1 p blank], 1-34. 
Size: 20 x 16 cm
Binding: Vellum pasted over calf, 2 metal clasps, page edges red sprinkled

PCD MS 55   1781
A Spiritual Retreat for the use of Religious Communities
[p 1, embossed stamp: St Clare's Abbey, Darlington]
“A Spiritual Retreat for the use of religious communities proper to ranimate the fervour of tipid and imperfect souls who desire to be truly converted. And allso for others who believe they cannot make a retreat because they know not how to meditate and are too much distracted. Advertisement”, p 1-14
“First Part which contains Meditations. First Day for the morning first truth. Alltho we are not the greatest sinners yet we stand in need of a Conversion”, p 1-130; (each meditation, morning and evening, is followed by considerations); “Meditation , entertainment, consideration and protestation for the day after y/r retreat”, p 131-150; “Divers examinations to find out your defects and imperfections, and to help you to make your general or annual confession” (days 1-9), p 150-184, [1 blank page], “The Table” [p 2-5], (pages omitted from the main text [p 6-12]; ends) “finis. May the 25th 1781. Laus Deo et Gloria”, [3 p blank]
[Not the popular Retraite spirituelle a l'usage des communautez religieuses by Louis Bourdaloue]
[2 blank], 1-14, 1-184, [1 blank, 12, 3 blank] 
Size: 20.5 x 16 cm
Binding: Stained calf, blind tooled border and centre-piece, marbled end papers

PCD MS 56-57   copied after 1850
Edmund Bedingfield, The Life of the Venerable Mother Margaret of Jesus in two volumes

PCD MS 58   Late 17th century?
Declarations upon the first Rule of St Clare
“I find nothing against faith or good manners...” Aire, [19 April] 1719, B. Bruno Cantrill
“These Declarations on the Rule of S: Clare, I require to be read in the Refectory” June 9 1758 B/r Pacificus Baker (approbations),[ p 2]
“Declarations upon ye first Rule of Saint Clare; for ye Monasteries of ye Poor Clares. Revewed and compiled by the Most Reverend Father B. Peter Marchant Commissary Generall over ye Provinces of Germany, the Low Countries, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Denmark. &c. At S. Omers. At ye Widow Boscart at the name of JESUS. 1650”.
“These Declarations on the Rule of S: Clare I do againe approve...., 28 Day of July 1762 Br Pacificus Baker”, p 1, p 2 blank
“Brother Peter Marchant Diffinitor of ye whole Order of S. Francis, & Commissary Generall over the Provinces of Germany, the Low Countries, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Denmark. &c. To ye Venerable Mother Abbesses, and Monasteries of ye Poor Clares, health, & salvation. It not being possible for ye Pastorall Diligance & Sollicitude to be too abundant....., it has caused us to take ye pains to revew again the principall Articles of your Rule..., notwith standing yt we had performed this Duty when we were Minister Provinciall of the Province of Flanders, on the 17 of July in ye yeare 1628... Permitting the Reverend Mother Abbesses to cause them to be printed, & commanding yt ye like faith & credit be given to ye Printed ones, as to ye Originall. Don at Gant ye first of June. 1644 under our signature, & ye Great Seale of our Office”, p 3-4
“Sister Mary de Dion humble Abbesse of ye Poor Clares of Saint Omers. To all those who make Profession of the Rule of S. Clare, salvation in ye Crib & Poverty of JESUS. Divine Providence had no sooner established me as Superior”, p 5-6
“Declarations upon ye Rule of Saint Clare. 1 chapter. 1 Text. In the name of our Lord. Amen. Here begins the Rule and Forme of the life of the Order of the poor Sisters; namely to observe the Holy Ghospell of our Lord JESUS Christ”, p 7-144 (13 chapters)
“The order & Command of ye most R/d Farther Commissary Generall”, (dated Ghent, 10 November 1645), p 145
“Here beginneth ye Testament of our holy Mother S. Clare. In ye name of our Lord. Amen. Among the other benefits”, p 146-153
“Here begins the Benediction of our Holy Mother S. Clare. In the name of the Father.... Our Lord bless you & preserve you, & shew you his face”, p 154-155
“The Priviledge of Pope Innocent ye 4th. That the Sisters of S. Clare may not be constrained to receive Possessions”, p 155-157
“Propositions & Resolutions concerning Regular Observance. 1 considering that a Religious State, is a state of perfection”,p 157-260
“To what ye Rule of S. Clare obliges. It is ordinary for every Rule whatsoever to oblige Religious persons to mortall sin, as to the Essentiall vowes”, p 260-262
“A Table of the Matters contained in this Rule of S. Clare”, p 263-274, “The End. On ye 6. of September 1685”
A translation of Declarations sur la regle premiere de madame saincte Claire pour les couvents des Pauures Clarisses. Revues & compilée par le R/me père F. Pierre Marchant (Sainct Omer: La Vefue [sic] Charles Boscart, 1650).
[1 blank, 2], 1-174, [6 p blank] 
Size: 19.5 x 15 cm
Binding: Stained calf, blind fillets, page edges red sprinkled

PCD MS 59-61   After 1711
Pious considerations on the holy Rule of S. Clare

PCD MS 62   1717
A Little Treatise of Piety
[Inside front cover, erasure. Paper pasted over end paper; front fly leaf verso] “This Book is to be lent to perticular Sisters, but never to be read in ye refectory”.
“Lent by Holy O to Sr Magt Winifred” (top of title [page3], probably Margaret Winifred Attmore of Rouen, died 1738)
“A Little Treatise of Piety very profitable for Religious persons. Drawn out of some Homelies upon ye prophet Jeremy. 1 Tome. 1717” [p 3]
“Of ye necessity of a true Vocation to enter into a Religious life. The necessity of the vocation of God to embrace a monastical life is grounded on the one side upon the excellency & sanctity of this state” p 60-450 (ends with chapter on “The grounds of humility”, p 448 repeated).
[3], 60-450, [3, 11 blank] 
Size: 19 x 12 cm
Binding: Stained calf, double blind fillets, gilt edges and spine decoration, 2 metal clasps, marbled page edges and end papers

PCD MS 63   1731
The Ceremonies of our holy religion by Mother Mary Goudge
Front paste-down in pencil: Mother Abbess
“Of ye Election of Officers according to o/r holy Rule & Constitutions. That truth & peace of a good conscience may alwaies be in vigour amongst ye Sisters” [3 p; 7 + 1 blank; engraving “Jesus lave les pieds des apostres”, (Paris, J. Chereau c.1720-1750)]
“The Ceremonies of o/r holy Religion with certaine holy Instructions, & spirituall exhorations gathered out of divers holy Ordinances by our R/d & Venerable Superiour Sister Mary Goudge first Abbess & Foundress of the Monastery of Graveling. First at the time of Mattins the sister who is appointed to keep the watch, shall be so diligent”, p 1-179; “What is to be observ'd when ye Father enters to administer the last Sacraments to the Sick sisters”, p 180-186; “The Chapter of Visitation”, p 187-195, 196-198 blank
“The Ceremonies to be observ'd on ye moveable Feasts of the yeare. How ye first response is to be read upon Advent Sunday”. P 199-241; “What ye Community is to observe at publick Cloathings”,“at private Cloathings”, “at professions”, p 241-250; “Of the lay Sisters”, p 251-254 (ends) “Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1731”, [6 p blank]; “A Table of all yt is Contain'd in ye Book”, [p 7-11 ends “Soli Deo honor & Gloria 1731”, 12-18 blank].
[3, 7 blank + 1, 1-254, [6 blank, 7-11, 12 - 18 blank] 
Size: 19.5 x 15.5 cm
Binding: Stained calf, very worn, 2 metal clasps, page edges red sprinkle

PCD MS 64   later 18th century
A spiritual retreat for ten days
“Sister [Ros]alia with leave” (probably Clare Conyers, professed Aire 1770-1833, [p 2]; MS perhaps written by her)
“A Spiritual Retreat For Ten Days. Translated from the French By R/d Father Boniface Simson For the use of the Poor Clares at Aire” [p 3, p 4 blank]. Fr Boniface Simson: Joseph Simpson ordained about 1743, died 1776, St Bonaventure's, Douai, see Kirk
“A Distribution of time. Dear Philothea the happy Evening being come, when thou Intendest to bid Adieu to worldly thoughts & Confine thy self the following Eight days to thy Cell”, p 1-302
“The First day is Consecrated to the most Holy Trinity; the Second to the Word Incarnate or the Eternal Son of God; the third to the B/d Virgin Mary”, “Read every day two Chapters in the Following of Christ”, p 15-16
“This Meditation is by Way of a Preparation for this Retreat: Consider that this Retreat you are entering into, is a Particular grace”, p 17-25; “The first Meditation For the first Day. On the Dangers of the World. Therefore to Renounce to the World, & Follow your Spouse Jesus Christ”; (ends) “The Third Meditation for ye: 10th Day. Of Perseverance” (3 points + final prayer), p 25-302
cf Retraite spirituelle du P. Judes de dix jours contenant trois considerations pour chaque jour, precedé du discourse preliminaire, suivie d'une meditation sur la perseverance redigée a Paris 1779.
Loose: hand painted prayer card : Heart of Jesus Have mercy on me
[4], 1-302 
Size: 18.5 x 11 cm
Binding: Stained calf, double blind fillet, gilt decorated edges and spine with gilt lettered label “A S P I R E C (reversed) T”, red page edges, marbled end papers

PCD MS 65   Early 18th century?
“Pocket Book”
Once a written MS of some 200 pages; all except one page cut off at the inner margin and new blank pages stuck onto the stubs; at the end 11 “concertina” pockets have been formed by stitching triangular pieces of fabric in between the pages, perhaps a flower press, some flower heads remain. Page 131 remains, with blank paper glued over: a devotional text in English.
On the front flyleaf “Sr Margaret Winnefred” (maybe Margaret Winifred Attmore, professed 1691-1738, Rouen); on piece of paper in “pockets”: “Sr Christina Francis” (probably Christina Francis Jenks, professed 1672-1712, Rouen). Also loose in “pockets”: hand painted chalice in heart; 2 small cut out engravings, “La Vierge” and “Le Sieur de la Salle” (the latter more likely to be St Jean Baptist de la Salle, 1651-1719, than Robert Cavalier de la Salle, 1643-1687) and some dried flower heads.
1v. 
Size: 17.5 x 11.5 cm
Binding: Stained calf, gilt decorated spine and edges, gilt lettered label defaced, page edges red sprinkled, 2 metal clasps

PCD MS 66   mid 17th century
Translations from Blosius, Harphius and other works about prayer and spirituality with some devotions to the Blessed Sacrament. Front flyleaf: “Choir Mistress 1836”
[4 blank], Points of Humility and other items, p 1-88 [1 blank]; Blosius Institutions, p 1-206; The Twelve Mortifications of Harphius, p 207-300; A hundred Sparkles of divine Love made by Father Henry Harphius, p 301-331; various prayers and devotions, p 332-343, [344-356 + 1 blank]; A Form of Meditation on the Passion of our Saviour, p 1-22, [ 2 blank]; Misticall or Spirituall Divinity, p 1-137, [1 blank]; Meditations on the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, p 1-134, [2 blank]; extract from Speculo Monachorum by abbot Dacrian, i.e. Blosius p 1-18 [2 mostly blank]
“Points of Humility: very Excellent and most necessary for Religious Persons, and all such as desir to attain to Perfection. Gathered in ffrench by a devout Monk of the Order of Saint Bernard Englished by a gray Friar. He will save the humble of spirit. Psalm. 33: 18. IHS. 1640. To the Devout Reader. It is to you, O Religious Reader, to whom these points of humilitie are principally addressed”, (58 points) P 1-36; possibly Points notables pour un religieux desireux d'acquirer une profonde humilité (Paris 1615, 1620, 1632, 1648 etc).
“A little Treatise, shewing In what Case a Religious Person ought to defend His good Name. The saying of some Persons, that every one ought to have a great care of his good name for the edification of his neighbour”, p 37-48
“Certain Instructions for the use of spiritual exercises taken out of Doctor Perins Book called the way to Perfection. The first is that yee put your whole trust in the special, and singular mercy of God”, p 48-53; extracted from William Peryn: Spirituall exercises and goostly meditacions: and a neare waye to come to perfection and lyfe contemplative, (London 1557; Caen 1598), extracted in turn from Nicolaus van Ess Exercitia theologiae mysticae.
“In order to these advises note also Blosius .12. Chap. Page 167. Fol 171. And 205. To the end of 206. In his Institutions. Of affective Prayer. The nature of which is, laying aside all discourses, to heave itself with the love towards God. And with flameing aspirations to be united to the fountain of light”, p 54-56; (L. Blosius Institutio Spiritualis, ch 12; the references do not fit either 1632 or 1676 editions of his Opera)
“How dangerous the neglect of the grace of God and his call to an Internall life. How ungratefull it is to God, and how perilous to the soul, (whom God hath once illuminated to know the right way of serving him in leading an internall life) to leave that course”, p 57-60 ; quotes from Angela of Foligno as cited by Augustine Baker in Doubts and Calls, (Analecta Carthusiana 119): 10, p 51; (ends) “Finis. Pater I. B. C.”
“Instructions of Master Eccardus. Master Eccardus lying on his death bed, and drawing towards his death, being requested by some friends of his, ... that he... would as his last farewell, bestow some wholesome instructions on them, which they should ever remember”, p 61-68; for an different translation see A. Baker, Doubts and Calls, p 53.
“Matters of Confession. In this ensuing Treatise of confession, to the end I might free the soul from some things, which by makeing confessions of them, where she need not, might deiect, perplex, intangle, in-treate, or keep under her spirit”, (lists 28 points), p 68-83; “Taken out of the same Book of Confession. In any case let not the Soul forbeare to confess meerlie out of immortification”, including an extract from Thaulerus: “I exhort, beseech, and advise you (most dearly beloved) that before you go to the Priest for Confession”, p 84-86 [p 84-85 repeated]; extracted from Augustine Baker's Treatise on Confession, (Analecta Carthusiana 119: 23, p78-84); “An Exercise taken out of the Exercises of St Gertrude. 1. O my dear Jesus, when shall my body, thou seperating from my from my soul, be turned into dust” (20 aspirations, taken from L. Blosius Margaritum Spirituale, “Suspiria amorosa ex exercitiis Beatae Truthae sive Gertrudis Virginis”, p 547-8, Opera, 1632, p 86-88), [1 blank]
“Blosius Institutions. The Epistle Dedicatory. To his much respected Friend Florence Holy-Mount”, p 1-205 (Another translation of the same work in MS 11; L. Blosius Institutio Spiritualis. This copy adds a final paragraph): “This saying of Blosius in the begining of this twelfth Chapter for the incouragement of beginners”; (ends) “the great and assured benefit that comes by prosecution and continuation of mentall praier, and not giving it over for any occuring difficulties, or impediments, but overcoming them all with patience and perseverance” p 205-206
“The twelve Mortifications of Harphius Religious of the Holy Order of the Seraphicall Father St Francis written by him for a virtuous Maide for her Perfection in a Spirituall Life. Harphius (saieth Blosius) was a man singulary illuminated by the Holy Ghost. Of the Contempt of all temporall things and of three degrees of Povertie”, p 207-300 (For another translation see Analecta Carthusiana 119: 21 p 129-159)
“A hundred sparkles of divine love made by Father Henry Harphius of our Holy Order. 1. Behold me O Good Jesus most unworthy, and vile creature prostrate at the Sacred Feet of thy divine Maiestie”(100 aspirations),p 301-321 (originally misnumbered 331; pagination continues uncorrected)
“An Exercise for receiving the Blessed Sacrament. The night before you are to communicate, consider attentively the greatness, and dignitie of the Guest you are to receive”, (4 paragraphs) p 332-335
“Certaine devout Intentions for which we may receive the Blessed Sacrament out of St Bonaventure. First that wee may thereby the more nearly united unto Almighty God” (sic) p 336-337 (11 points); “Of divers other devout affections for receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Some there are, who comeing to this divine Sacrament doe present them selves to God in it after sundry manners” (Prodigall Child, guilty person, disloyall spouse etc) p 338-340; “Devout considerations of the qualitie, in which God presenteth himself to us in the Blessed Sacrament. Our mercifull Lord cometh to us in the holy Sacrament after Seaven severall manners”, p 340-343; “Litanies to be said before the miraculous Image of our scourged Saviour”, [p 344-348]; “This following Prayer is called the Angells Prayer, Because (as it is said) it was revealed by an Angell and is of great force and efficacie to obtain what is craved by it. 1. In honour of the sorrowfull leave our Blessed Saviour took of his Blessed Mother”,(26 prayers in honour of the Passion with 5 Paters and Aves in different physical postures; followed by 14 aspirations), [p 349-358 + 1 blank]
“A Form of Meditation on the Passion of our Saviour. In the Purgative Way. Preparation has, 1st Presentation of yourself with all reverence in the presence of God”, “2ly Representation of the Matter on which you are to meditate”, “In the unitive way. Preparation is the same”, “An Exercise of the Presence of God. The Exercise requireth first, that with a firm faith, and attention one consider, that God is a Reasonable Being”, p 1-22 [2 p blank]
“Misticall or Spirituall Divinity. Most profitable to all, who desire perfectly to love god and be closely united to him: as also for Pastors of Souls: that they may advance both their own and their neighbours Salvation. Composed in Latin in a clear, distinct, and short method by the R: F: Bonifacious Friar Minor Recollect, and Lectour in Divinity in the Province of St Joseph in the Country of Flanders and now Diffinitor Generall of the Seraphicall Order”, p 1-136 (6 chapters); at the end “if you desire to know more” recommends Directorium aureum Contemplativorum of R: F; Harphius and also R: F: Alphonsus Madritiensis of our Seraphicall Order, also de Vera Deo apte serviendi Methodo p 137: (Heinrich Herpf, Directorium aureum contemplativorum was printed 1509, 1513, 1516; Alonso of Madrid Libellus aureus de vera Deo apte inserviendi methodo was printed many times from 1516 through to 1608, 1625 and beyond), [1p blank]
“Meditations on the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Preface. I am naild to the Cross with Christ says St Paul. A true Servant of God, and disciple of Jesus Christ, who desires perfectly to conform himself to the Savior of the world crucifyd for him, must.... Bear, as well in body, as mind, the Cross of Christ” (Preface describes 7 mysteries sealed until Christ's death and 7 holy affections; 4 weeks of meditations for morning and night each day, beginning with a quotation from Scripture, most with two points; ends by listing 6 things from which Christ's heart was disengaged and praying for 6 virtues. Ends): “Seriously Recollect in your Mind and make a particular Examine of all these things at the end of each month. All Honour and Glory be to God the Father who Created us, to God the Son who Redeemed us, and to God the Holy ghost who Sanctified us. Amen” [2 p blank], p 1-134
“The difference between the approvd faithful Servants of God and the unfaithful out of Abbot Dacrian in Speculo Monachorum. Hearken, dear Brother, (so he begins) if thou art replenishd with interiour sweetness”, p 1-18 (extracted from L. Blosius Speculum monachorum; for another translation see Richard Whytford A looking glace for the religious, edited by Veronica Lawrence (Salzburg studies in English Literature 92: 18, Salzburg 1991, p 4-9) ch. 7 Instituto spiritualis; ends with 2 extracts from Suso and 2 from Tauler both probably via Blosius).
1v. 
Size: 21 x 16 cm
Binding: Stained calf, gilt spine panels and edges, page edges red sprinkle, 2 metal clasps

PCD MS 67   mid 18th century
The Stations for Good Friday
“The Stations for good Friday. This Station is said in ye Quire. The sign being given they sing Tristis est after w/ch ye Cantours begin ye following verse. Cant: Popule meus”, (Latin verses have English translation in parallel columns; 7 stations and rubrics in English interspersed with Stabat Mater; ends with English prayer for a happy death, “O good Pastour y/s is ye hour” (ends) “one good thought for ye poor old scribler C. J.” [p 18]
[18] 
Size: 19.5 x 14 cm
Binding: Stiffened card and patterned paper

PCD MS 68   mid 18th century
The Stations for Good Friday
“The Stations for good Friday. This Station is said in ye Quire. The sign being given they sing Tristis est after which ye Cantours begin ye following verse. Cant. My people w/t have I done to thee (all in English except for the Latin opening of responses and final prayer). “A prayer for a happy death. O good pastour”; at the bottom of page[ 12] “One good thought for ye poor old scribler C. J.””
(4 English prayers), [p 13-16] “O Divine Jesus o/r adorable Saviour we see already ye palenes of death upon y/r face”; “O Jesus son of David have pitty on us in o/r last agony”; “O Adorable Jesus whom I behold hanging upon ye Cross”; “A Mercifull Jesus by ye excessive anguish of y/r last agony”.
[16]p 
Size: 17.5 x 12.5 cm
Binding: Stiffened card and marbled paper

PCD MS 69    mid 18th century
The Stations for Good Friday
(Begins on front paste down) “The Stations for good Friday. This Station is read in ye Quire. The sign being given ye sisters sing Tristis est after which ye Cantors begin as follows. Cant. Popule meus” (Latin verses have English translations in parallel columns; the stations and rubrics in English; ends with the Abbess's prayer in Latin).
[24p; one page torn out at end] 
Size: 19 x 15.5 cm
Binding: Stiffened card, paper cover

PCD MS 70   late 18th century
The Stations for Good Friday
[p 2] “The Stations for good Friday. This Station is read in ye Quire. The sign being given ye Sisters sing Tristis est after which ye Cantors begin, as follows Popule meus quid fecit tibi”, (Latin verses have English translations in parallel columns; the stations and rubrics in English; ends with Abbess's prayer in English; small printed versicle and response stuck in on [p3]).
[28]p 
Size: 20 x 16 cm
Binding: Without cover

PCD MS 71   20th century
Letter of St Colette to all her religious daughters
(Display heading) “LETTER OF ST COLETTE TO ALL HER RELIGIOUS DAUGHTERS”, [p 1; p 2 blank]
“Letter of St Colette to all her religious daughters. GLORY, HONOUR, AND PRAISE TO THE THREE DIVINE PERSONS IN ONE ESSENCE. AMEN. My beloved children, With profound humility of heart, I beg of you, for the love of our Divine Spouse Jesus Christ, and of His Spouse the holy church, to recommend me in your prayers”, p 1; (ends) “and the greater will be the recompense and the glory which will be granted to you by the mercy of the Father, the Passion of the Son, and by the Holy Ghost, the source of peace, of love, and of all consolation. Amen”, p 9 [p 10 blank].
6 quarto pages of typescript stapled together ([2], 1-9, [10 blank]p) 
Size: 28 x 21.5 cm
Binding:

PCD MS 72    end 17th century
St Bonaventure: The Mirror of Novices. In at least 6 different hands.
Front fly leaf verso: engraving by Crepy (active 1718-1750 of the painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1659-1743) of Dom Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rance ab: de la Trappe (1626-1700), [2 pages blank]
“The Prologe. All those who inspired by God doe aspire unto a good life by the true exercise of perfect vertue must for the obtaining therof make use of monasticall discipline without which it may not bee gotten”, fols 1-2
“The Mirour of Novices made by Saint Boniventure of the Order of Saint Francis, Cardinall Bishope of Alban, and seraphicall Doctor of the Church, abridged for the use of Religious women, without any addision or allterations. The first Part. Of the preparations to Religious discipline, and first of casting of the ould man. Chapter 1. Before all thinges the new champions of Jesus Christ desiring to breake with the world”, fol 2 verso [p 4-67]; (24 chapters)
“The second part of ye mirour of discipline by our seraphicall docter & generall of the whole order Saint Bonaven unto his novisses. ye second part. Having finished ye first & principall part of this litle treatise hee doth now succintly addresse himselfe unto ye second”; “& how after recived unto theire profession they ought to behave themselves for all w/ch they maye here briefly instruct them selves. Of behaviour towards God. Chap: 1”, fol 65 [p 67-92]
“An epistle by St Bonaventure cardinall & Bishope of Albanc sometimes generall of ye whole order of saint Francis & seraphicall doctrine of the Catholike church, containing five & twentie memorable pointes necesserie for all yt contende in ye stepes of our saviour Jesus bye obedience &c”, [p 92-106]
Derived from St Bonaventura (1217-1274) Speculum disciplinae ad novitos & de profectu religiosonem: item: Epistola, memoralia XXV pietatis eximia documenta complectens, many editions from 1500 with German, French, Italian and Spanish translations; editions printed at Antwerp 1591, 1600, 1610, 1673.
At the end of the translation: “O bon Jesu vivant en toye, Je meure en moy, vivant en moy ie meure en toye. Pray for al ye writers”, [p 106].
[4, 19th century additions, 1813 watermark], 14 folios [i.e. 28p; after 52 pages foliation resumes on p 53 at] fol 58-78 [ie p 94; + 95-106 + 2 p blank]  
Size: 23 x 18 cm
Binding: Vellum lightly stiffened

PCD MS 73   1882
[fol 1] “Catechism of the first rule of St Clare. Compiled by Fr Andrew Drefino of Torlona, lector in S., Theol. Minor Observant”.
fol 2 “Dedication. To the most Reverend Father Bernardine of Portugruaro, Minister General of all the Order of Friars-Minor”; (ends) fol 3 “Your Most Reverend Paternity's most humble and most obedient subject Father Andrew Delfino of Fortona”
fol 4 “Reason of the Catechism. To all the nuns if the First Order of Saint Clare. Most Observant Religious and most beloved Sisters in the Lord. In the beginning of the current year” (preface dated 1882, Convent of the holy Ghost, Ferrara)
fol 7-9 “Bull of [erasure] Pope Innocent IV, containing [erasure] and confirming the Rule of St Clare”
fol 10 blank; fol 11-31 “Preliminary Notions of the Primitive Rule of S. Clare. I. Q. What is the Rule of S. Clare?” [fols 32-34 blank]
fol 35-217, (for each of the 12 chapters of the Rule the heading is followed by the text then by the “Explanation” in the form of numbered questions with answers)
[fols 218-49] “Index to the Catechism”
recto only, folios 2-217 + index (32 folios) 
Size: 24 x 18.5 cm
Binding: Fabric, quarter leather, paper spine label

PCD MS 74   1777
Prayers for Advent to XXIV after Pentecost; Orationes de communi Sanctorum
“First Week in Advent. For Advent Saturday before the first Sunday. Antiphon at Magnificat: Ecce nomen Domini”, p 1; (ends with Magnificat antiphon for XXIV Sunday after Pentecost), fol 383
MS written in black ink, large roman style, running titles, capital letters etc rubricated, decorative head and tail pieces, eg p 261: Easter Sunday, p 321 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, p 383
P 384: “Proper Prayers & Antiphons for all the Saints during the whole year” (decorated border), [p 1] “Orationes de Communi Sanctorum, 1777” (decorated title page, [p 2 blank]
P 1-377, “In vigil Apostol”, [p 1-15 the commons]; p 16-33, “Fêtes transferes au Dimanche”,p 33 decorated, verso blank; p 34-377 “Orationes de proprio Sanctorum, 1777” (decorated title page, verso blank and not numbered), p 35 “Fêtes de Novembre, Le XXVII. S. Gregoire Taumat”; ends p 376 -377 “Le XXVI [Novembre] Ste Delphine”, “Mem. De S. Pierre” [p 378 blank].
Probably written out by James Mather, priest (1718-c.1801), see MS 75 below.
1-384p; [1 -2, title page] 1-377p 
Size: 32 x 21 cm
Binding: Calf, blind stamped borders, centrepiece and spine, page edges once red, 2 heavy brass clasps and corner pieces and lower spine edges, patterned end leaves, gilded

PCD MS 75   later 18th century
Graduals for different Sundays and Feasts printed by James Mather
P [1]: “IHS. Gradual for different Sundays and Feasts printed by James Mather priest. Ora pro eo”
P 1 - 50: “For all the feasts of our blessed lady. Gradual” p 1, ending with “Gradual for corpus christi” p 49 - 50
James Mather (1718-c.1801) from Durham was a secular priest trained at Paris; he was probably also the scribe of MS 74 dated 1777 (printed in this case taken to mean manuscript in the style of printed letters).
[2], 1 - 50, [2, recto ruled but glued onto paper wrapper] p 
Size: 63 x 46 cm
Binding: Paper wrapper; page edges tagged with ribbon marker for each feast
Shelved: Rm5/PF4/29