Nesciens mater

This polyphonic Latin hymn was composed by Walter Lambe and is one of the songs found in the Eton Choirbook, one of the few illuminated manuscripts to survive the Reformation, which saw the plunder of the monasteries. Although arguably the most famous school in the world, Eton was founded as The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor by Henry VI, son of Henry V. According to the historian David Starkey, it was first and foremost a non-monastic community of priests. Both Henrys believed Our Lady - the Virgin Mary - was the special protectress of England.