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Example of illuminated manuscript from the Book of Hours (Use of York)

Manuscripts

Book of Hours (Use of York)

Author unknown

Late 15th century


Books of Hours were personal prayer books for the laity, containing a collection of prayers to be said at the eight canonical hours of the day.

This manuscript was produced some time in the late 15th century in the city of Bruges, for a family in York, England. It is an unusually large example of a Book of Hours, and was presumably designed for use in the family chapel, rather than for the owner’s private use.

The book’s calendar features twelve miniatures depicting the various ‘labours’ or activities engaged in over the course of a year. Illustrations such as these reveal much about daily life during the Middle Ages.