The history of liturgical organ music in England begins with the first recorded source, dating from 1500, and ends abruptly with the Act of Uniformity of 1559. In addition to the written sources, it is likely that there existed a strong tradition of improvised polyphony, though little direct evidence for this has survived. The 65 pieces in this collection were intended for performance at Matins, Lauds, Vespers and Compline.