The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is particularly known for the whimsical nature of many of its illustrations as on this page which shows a parrot at the top and a caladrius curing a sick man at the bottom. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

Medieval bestiaries are classified into four "Families". The classification refers to the contents of the bestiary. The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is a Second Family bestiary which means that it has been compiled from several sources. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

The Bestiary of Ann(e) Walsh(e) is dated to c1400-1425 but Anne Walshe is thought to have lived around 1531. She not only practised her signature on certain pages but also scribbled on other pages as on this page. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

This week we're going to focus on one of the books often referred to in our images of medieval beasts: the Bestiary of Ann Walsh (or Anne Walshe). It is named for the signature which appears scribbled on several pages as per this image. #medievalmanuscripts #bestiary #annwalsh #annewalshe

This medieval torpedo from an English Third Family bestiary dated to 1220-1240 has unusually been illustrated as a starfish. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to be so strength that even its breath could create limb weakness. This disgruntled-looking fish is from the Bestiary of Ann Walsh, 1400-1425. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to paralyse who/whatever touched it even if it was touched at a distance using a spear. This image is from a version of "Der Naturen Bloeme" dated c1300-c1325. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval torpedo was said to be a large fish that lived in the Indian Ocean. It was said to bury itself in mud and stun any fish that swam over it. This image is from a 13th century version of "Liber de natura rerum". #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #torpedo

The medieval cacus was said to signify angry people pouring fires of vituperation that inflame others. This image from a 14th century Dutch version of "Der Naturen Bloeme" is yet another generic dog-like beast. #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #cacus

The medieval cacus was sometimes depicted as breathing fire which again harkens back to the myth of Cacus, although Cacus was said to shoot fire from his chest. This image is from a c1350 Flemish version of "Der Naturen Bloeme". #medievalmanuscripts #medievalbeasts #cacus