Musical notation, heraldic decoration and David from BL Arundel 83, f. 55v

Page from the Howard Psalter (Arundel 83 I) showing the incipit of Psalm 80 ("Exultate Deo"). In the initial 'E', a seated king plays bells. In the border, hybrids hold trumpets bearing the Fitton and Freville arms, and other hybrids play musical instruments. Image taken from f. 55v of Psalter and Book of Hours (the 'Howard Psalter and Hours') (Arundel 83 I) (ends imperfectly); including a calendar of uncertain East Anglian destination (ff. 6-11v), a liturgical Psalter with canticles, litany, and Office of the Dead (ff. 14-113v), and an incomplete Hours of the Passion (ff. 113v-116v). Written in Latin.

The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (1585-1646). Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel, who was a prominent figure during the early 17th century in England. Thomas Howard enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles I, and this connection allowed him to expand his collection. The king was granting him privileges to purchase manuscripts and books, and the collection grew in size and importance.

The English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I had a significant impact on Thomas Howard's life. During the war and the Commonwealth period, his collection faced threats of dispersion and destruction. Howard managed to protect many of his books and manuscripts by sending them abroad for safekeeping. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the collection was returned to the Howard family.