This manuscript completed shortly before the death of Edward VI (r. 1547–53) details the revenue of the Crown in 1551. Between March and December 1552, the King’s Commissioners, headed by the Lord Chamberlain, Thomas Darcy, Baron Darcy of Chiche (1506–58) travelled across England gathering information about the previous year’s finances. The manuscript is headed by an illuminated depiction of the Tudor arms, with a blue dragon emerging from the mouth of the Lion, and the arms of the Order of the Garter.

Binding information

Original binding by the Medallion Binder in black leather, richly gilt to front and back. In centre the arms of Edward VI in an ornamental shield with outline comprised of individual arabesque stamps, flanked by initials E.R. and surmounted by a Tudor crown. Above, 'THE KYNGES REVENVES', and beneath, 'ANNO QVINTO REGIS EDWARDI SEXTI', within decorative rectangle cartouches ornamented with same fleuron tool. Ornamental scroll border frame within eight-line blind fillet, with arabesque decoration to inner and outer corners. Spine divided into ten compartments, and blackened in attempt to disguise damage. Lacking top, bottom and two fore-edge ties.