History by the Month: October and Henry IV

MS 285, f. 4r

A Pontifical is a service-book for a bishop. This richly illuminated manuscript, probably made in London, seems to have been begun for Guy de Mohun, bishop of Saint Davids 1397-1407. It later belonged to Richard Clifford, bishop of London 1407-21. It includes the service for the coronation of a king, which Guy de Mohun would have attended for Henry IV, king of England 1399-1413. The miniature shows the king between four bishops. Henry IV was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Monday 13 October 1399. [MS 285, folio 4r]