Books of Hours

Originally an addition to the end of the Psalter or Book of Psalms, the first separate Book of Hours known in England was attributed to the artist William de Brailes between 1230 and 1260. By the end of the 13th century the Book of Hours had become a favourite prayerbook of ordinary people throughout Western Europe and in the years that followed its popularity spread. Often small and highly decorated, these books provide an insight into the daily life of the Middle Ages.