Lanfranc of Bec’s Version of Decretals in a Canonistic Context

Abstract

During the eleventh century canon law collections, generated for different purposes but including the same texts, were used in the reform of the Church. The author presents a comparative study of important texts in collections such as the Collectio Lanfranci, an abridged version of the Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals used in the reform of the English Church. A close study of the manuscripts provides insight into Lanfranc of Bec’s legal thinking and his position as ruler.