Book of Hours, use of Sarum
[Bruges, early 15th century]

Manuscript books of hours were frequently passed down through generations within a single family; this example belonged to the Roberts family of Middlesex who added their own prayers and family events over nearly 200 years. Edmund Roberts (1520–85) noted that the prayer shown here–1000 Ave Marias over ten days, accompanied by almsgiving–was particularly effective: ‘I youse thys prayer well every daye’. These personal signs of ownership are studied closely by scholars of the family, religion, literature, language and literacy.

This manuscript has been digitised in its entirety; to view, click “Open Digital Library” below.

MS Ii.6.2, 108v–109r (Royal Library)