Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for leisure and culture at Reading Borough Council, said it was a “delight and privilege” to welcome the Reading Rota home after nearly five centuries.
She added: “This extraordinary manuscript is not only one of the jewels of medieval English music, but a powerful reminder of Reading’s international significance in the Middle Ages.
She described having the original manuscript in the town where it was created as “a truly special moment”.
Its lyrics – translated from Middle English – include “Summer has come in, loud sing cuckoo” and heralds in the warmer seasons.
It was also sped up for runners taking part in the Reading Fun Run in a contemporary 12-saxophone version in 2016 by a professor of music at Oxford University.
A copy of the manuscript in stone relief is displayed on the wall of the ruined chapter house of Reading Abbey.