Technology

Fragments of a rare Merlin manuscript from c. 1300 have been discovered and digitised in a ground-breaking three-year project at Cambridge University Library

A fragile 13th century manuscript fragment, hidden in plain sight as the binding of a 16th-century archival register, has been discovered in Cambridge and revealed to contain rare medieval stories of Merlin and King Arthur.

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What followed the discovery has been a ground-breaking collaborative project, showcasing the work of the University Library’s Cultural Heritage Imaging Laboratory (CHIL) and combining historical scholarship with cutting-edge digital techniques, to unlock the manuscript's long-held secrets - without damaging the unique document.

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To achieve this, the team undertook:

Multispectral Imaging (MSI)

This technique used in CHIL involved capturing the fragment in various wavelengths of light, from ultraviolet to infrared.

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Computed Tomography (CT) scanning

Conducted with equipment and expertise from the University’s Zoology department, the team used a powerful X-ray scanner—typically used for scanning fossils or skeletons—to virtually penetrate the layers of parchment and uncover hidden structures in the binding.

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3D modelling

Industrial scanning techniques created highly detailed virtual models of the fragment, allowing researchers to study its creases, stitching, and folds in remarkable detail.

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The digital results of the project are now available for everyone to explore online via the
Cambridge Digital Library.