A parchment roll (8 feet in length) containing the genealogy of the kings of England from Aethelbert of Kent (589–603) to Richard II (1377–1399). Written in England shortly after Richard II’s accession and possibly meant to be displayed on a wall.

Detail of hand-clasp symbolizing the union of the Saxon and Norman houses

The marriage in 1100 of Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, and Matilda, daughter of Malcolm of Scotland and Margaret sister of Edgar the Aetheling, symbolizing the union of Saxon and Norman houses, is depicted by the clasping of hands. This type of depiction of the descent of the Saxon and Norman lines, made for visual display, is not uncommon; another example can be seen in Huntington Library MS 264 s. XV 3/4 (Adam to Edward IV).

R.H. & M.A. Rouse MS 49