The
Red Book of Hergest is a large
vellum manuscript written shortly after 1382, which ranks as one of the most important medieval manuscripts written in the
Welsh language. It preserves a collection of Welsh prose and poetry, notably the tales of the
Mabinogion, Gogynfeirdd poetry. The manuscript derives its name from the colour of its leather binding and from its association with Hergest Court between the late 15th and early 17th century.