Use of Sarum

The Sarum Use was a medieval church rite centered at Salisbury, England, named after the Latin name for Salisbury, Sarisberia. This rite was a modification of the Roman rite and was used in England, Wales, and Ireland before the Reformation.12

The Sarum Use was compiled by St. Osmund, the first bishop of Salisbury, in 1078. It closely followed Roman usage but incorporated Norman traditions and Gallican influences. The Sarum chants, a form of liturgical chant associated with this rite, resembled Gregorian chants in their free rhythm, modes, and psalm tones. However, Sarum chants had a smaller vocal range, a more formal structure, and used more transposition than Gregorian chants.1

The Sarum Use spread throughout much of Scotland and Ireland and influenced other regional rites. It was abolished in England in 1547 during the Reformation, but elements of Sarum chant were revived in the 19th century.1