One of the most important books in our collection is the Litlyngton Missal, a beautifully illuminated 14th-century service book which was made for the Abbey's High Altar. The Latin manuscript contains the readings and prayers used at the celebration of the Mass, along with a calendar of festivals and saints’ days. The manuscript was made by four artists at Westminster between 1383-84 and its 682 pages are beautifully decorated with coloured inks and gold leaf. A scribe called Thomas Preston laid out the work and wrote the text. He lived at the monastery while he worked on the manuscript, and later joined the Abbey as a monk. He was aided by two unknown artists who painted the illuminated initials and the decorative boarders. A third artist produced a magnificent crucifixion scene, the only full-page illumination in the missal. The missal was commissioned by Abbot Nicholas Litlyngton for use at the Abbey's High Altar, and was paid for from his personal funds. The Missal is on permanent display in our museum, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and you can see it when you visit us. #ManuscriptMonday