# Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700

> online catalogue of manuscripts

**Wikidata**: [Q105593113](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105593113)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/catalogue-of-english-literary-manuscripts-14501700

## Summary
The Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700 (CELM) is an online digital catalogue dedicated to the study of manuscripts from a specific historical period. Based in the United Kingdom, it was established in 2005 to serve as a scholarly resource. The project is edited and compiled by Peter Beal and is currently maintained by King's Digital Lab.

## Key Facts
- **Full Title**: Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700
- **Common Abbreviation**: CELM
- **Nature of Entity**: Online catalogue and website
- **Subject Matter**: Manuscripts
- **Editor / Compiler**: Peter Beal (credited as Principal Investigator and Compiler)
- **Operational Status**: Active (maintained by King's Digital Lab)
- **Location**: United Kingdom
- **Date of Inception**: 2005
- **Website Language**: English
- **Access URL**: https://celm-ms.org.uk/

## FAQs
**Who is responsible for compiling the Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700?**
The catalogue is compiled and edited by Peter Beal, who serves as the project's principal investigator.

**When was the Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700 established?**
The project was inceptioned in 2005.

**Who maintains the technical infrastructure of the CELM website?**
The website and its digital infrastructure are currently maintained by King's Digital Lab.

## Why It Matters
The Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700 serves as a centralized digital repository for locating and identifying literary manuscripts produced between the mid-15th and early 18th centuries. By migrating scholarly data to an accessible online format, it preserves and democratizes access to information regarding historical documents that might otherwise be scattered across various physical locations. Its maintenance by King's Digital Lab ensures that the resource remains a stable and current tool for academic research.

## Notable For
- Providing a comprehensive online finding aid for manuscripts dating from 1450 to 1700.
- Being the principal digital project of renowned manuscript scholar Peter Beal.
- Serving as a specialized resource specifically focused on English literary manuscripts, distinct from broader palaeographic databases.

## Body
### Editorial and Project Leadership
The Catalogue of English Literary Manuscripts 1450–1700 operates under the primary editorship of Peter Beal. His role is defined through multiple capacities, serving as both the compiler of the data and the principal investigator of the project. The creation and ongoing curation of the catalogue rely heavily on his expertise in the field of literary manuscripts.

### Technical Infrastructure and Access
The project is classified as both a catalogue and a website. It is accessible to the public primarily via its main domain, `celm-ms.org.uk`. Technical maintenance and digital preservation of the site are handled by King's Digital Lab, ensuring the platform's availability and functionality for the academic community. The interface and content are provided in English.

### History and Origin
The resource was established in 2005. It is based in the United Kingdom. The inception of the project was driven by the need to provide a structured, accessible inventory of literary manuscripts from the Early Modern period, facilitating research into original handwritten documents and texts.

## References

1. [About CELM](https://celm-ms.org.uk/about.html)