B ook of the A nchorite

Abstract

The Book of the Anchorite of Llanddewi Brefi, a manuscript dated 1346, is the earliest and most substantial compendium of religious texts in Middle Welsh. The unnamed anchorite scribe, who may have resided for a time at Strata Florida abbey, compiled it at the request of a lay patron, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn ap Phylip ap Trahaearn of Cantref Mawr in Carmarthenshire. The anchorite's hand is also found in four other Welsh manuscripts, including the White Book of Rhydderch.