Aberdeen Bestiary's secrets revealed in 800-year-old book owned by Henry VIII

Aberdeen Bestiary's secrets revealed: 800-year-old book owned by Henry VIII was a learning tool seized during the dissolution of the monasteries New digitally enhanced photography of the book, known as the'Aberdeen Bestiary', has revealed previously unknown secrets behind the scripture A blank page in the Aberdeen Bestiary's twin manuscript, Ashmole 1511, this page is occupied by scenes concerning the lion shown left. This page shown left was probably intended for scenes about the lion, the researchers said. Experts have long debated whether the Bestiary, which is lavishly illustrated in gold leaf, was commissioned for a high-status client or seized during Henry's reign from a dissolved monastic library Professor Jane Geddes, an art historian at Aberdeen University, says marks and annotations that were not previously visible point to the book having been handpicked by Henry's scouts when they scoured monasteries for valuables Professor Geddes added: 'On many of the words there are tiny marks which would have provided a guide to the correct pronunciation when the book was being read aloud. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.