The Bec Missal

The MSS, from the abbey of Bec (Le Bec-Hellouin), written c. 1265-1272 is not strictly a missal, since it lacks an ordo missae and the canon, but in other respects it is close to a missale plenum in its contents, though it includes all the chants. It may have been a precentor’s book, but equally well may have been designed for use of the altar. The plainchant melodies are not reproduced here. The English interest of Bec, home to Lanfranc and Anselm, archbishops of Canterbury, and with other strong cross-channel connections, is obvious.