Canterbury Cathedral: The Liturgy of the Cathedral and its Music, c. 1075–1642

Canterbury Cathedral, founded by Lanfranc in 1070 and consecrated by 1077, served as the central spiritual hub for a Benedictine monastic community. For nearly 470 years before Lanfranc, the cathedral's primary purpose was liturgical observance, a continuous cycle of worship, prayer, contemplation, and penance aimed at intercession for humanity and spiritual reward. This practice persisted for another 900 years post-Lanfranc, underscoring its enduring significance in medieval Christian ritual. The study examines the liturgy's role not merely as an act of devotion but as a means to benefit society and secure salvation, reflecting the deep theological and social dimensions of monastic life during this period.

Bowers, R. (2024). Canterbury Cathedral: The Liturgy of the Cathedral and its Music, c. 1075–1642. English Church Polyphony, IV–408. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003556244-6