Not all catchwords were created equal. In fact, most catchwords are not decorated at all, and just sit as simple words at the bottom of a page. Some are even trimmed off in the binding or rebinding process.

However, someone did take the time to decorate today’s catchword, which comes from Ms Codex 75. This manuscript is a handbook of canon law and pastoral theology for parish priests created in England between 1400 and 1425.