Ancient text reveals the music of 12th century monks

MEDIEVAL music experts have expressed their delight at the discovery of a rare 12th century manuscript used by a group of monks during Holy Week.

It was discovered among family papers which had lain unnoticed in museum archives for the past 13 years.

The manuscript is a fragment from a missal, the liturgical book that contains the texts used by a priest for Mass. It also includes the items sung by the choir.

The document is now due to go on public display at the Heart of Hawick cultural centre, Roxburghshire, and some excerpts from the manuscript will be performed for the first time since its discovery.

The centre's archive manager Rachel Hosker said she was "thrilled" at the discovery.

She added: "It is a beautiful thing to look at. It gives an insight into life at the time because everything revolved around the monastery at the time – whether it be the economy or celebrations.

"For instance there is a reference to a bishop's visit which intrigued the experts looking at it."

The manuscript was contained in papers relating to the Rutherford family of Knowesouth near Jedburgh, which were held by a local solicitor's firm.