A scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge, who became canon of Canterbury in 1859, James Craigie Robertson (1813-82) edited this seven-volume work, published between 1875 and 1885, for the Rolls Series, but he died while preparing this final volume, which was completed by Joseph Brigstocke Sheppard (1827-95). Superseding the earlier work of J. A. Giles, the volumes form a collection of contemporary Latin lives and letters relating to the life of Thomas Becket (c.1120-70). Rising through the ranks to become royal chancellor and then archbishop of Canterbury, Becket fell dramatically out of favour with Henry II and, on his return from exile, was famously murdered in the cathedral church at Canterbury. Following his canonisation in 1173, his reputation grew considerably throughout western Christendom. Volume 7 comprises a valuable collection of Latin letters sent by or to the archbishop, originally gathered together by Alan of Tewkesbury.

Christ Church, Canterbury, was the seat of the archbishop and an important pilgrimage site. The letters and other documents in its register reveal not only its history, but how complex was the management of the priory and its estates. This three-volume edition is based on a transcript of the register compiled in 1411. Volume 1, edited by Joseph Brigstocke Sheppard (1827-95) and published in 1887, contains items 1-494, ranging in date from 1210 to 1333. The editor has selected documents addressed to individuals or groups, and the subjects vary widely. The earlier sections include many personal letters from the prior to his friends and colleagues, while others are formal letters of appointment or relate to business matters. Also covered are matters of state (as the prior sat in parliament), such as the deposition of Edward II. The texts are in Latin, Norman French and English, with translations provided for the French documents.

Christ Church, Canterbury, was the seat of the archbishop and an important pilgrimage site. The letters and other documents in its register reveal not only its history, but how complex was the management of the priory and its estates. This three-volume edition is based on a transcript of the register compiled in 1411. Volume 2, edited by Joseph Brigstocke Sheppard (1827-95) and published in 1888, contains items 495-943, ranging in date from 1333 to 1373. The editor has selected documents addressed to individuals or groups, and the subjects vary widely. Most relate to church affairs and include formal letters of appointment and disputes with other monasteries. Others are financial, dealing with rents, taxes and donations by important pilgrims. Also covered are matters of national importance (as the prior sat in parliament), such as the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death. The texts are in Latin, Norman French and English, with translations provided for the French documents.

Christ Church, Canterbury, was the seat of the archbishop and an important pilgrimage site. The letters and other documents in its register reveal not only its history, but how complex was the management of the priory and its estates. This three-volume edition is based on a transcript of the register compiled in 1411 and continued thereafter. Volume 3, edited by Joseph Brigstocke Sheppard (1827-95) and published in 1889, contains items 944-1119, ranging in date from 1375 to 1536. The editor has selected documents addressed to individuals or groups, and the subjects vary widely. Most relate to church affairs, including formal letters of appointment and items addressing building work. Others are financial, dealing with rents, taxes and problems with property in Ireland. The texts are in Latin, Norman French and English, with translations provided for the French documents. Appendices and a general index to the three volumes are also included.