Richard Pynson was official printer to Henry VII and Henry VIII. It appears that he was also a bookbinder: the blind-stamped Tudor rose centre panel of this fine example of medieval English bookbinding, with alternating fleurs de lys and cinquefoils in the surrounding compartments, is also used on other bindings associated with his workshop. The binding covers an indenture made between Henry VII and Thomas Silkesteade, Prior of Winchester Cathedral Priory, for prayers to be said for the King in perpetuity in return for freedom from royal claims of fees on acquisitions of land. The wavy (or indented) top edge is typical of this sort of contract: the holders of one copy could authenticate their manuscript by matching its edge to that of the other copy. It's possible that this indenture is a draft, as it is not signed. Two leaves, which possibly had seals attached, are missing from the end.

The counterpart to this indenture is held at the Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Bremen, shelfmark msa 0049.

Binding

Contemporary brown calf binding, with blind-tooling on both sides.

On both sides, three vertical and three horizontal double or triplicate fillet lines blind-tooled to create nine compartments. Central compartment decorated with panel containing a rose surrounded by vines and oak leaves and an outer rectangular border of flowers, small leaves and larger oak leaves. Each of the compartments surrounding central panel decorated with rectangular stamps, with fleur-des-lis design in outer four corners and flower design in remaining four compartments.

Central panel on right side of binding contains a series of small dots in a flower shape around the oak leaf in each of the four corners. This is absent in the panel on the left side, suggesting two slightly different panels were used.

Spine divided into five compartments with raised bands. Very thin spine with no decoration.

Clasp still intact, with possible original parts. Fixed on the right side with leather tab (possibly restored) and three nails. Fixed on left side with metal bar, carved with a thorn design and fixed with three nails (original?). Difference in method of attachment may suggest later restoration.