Post-Medieval — Late 15th century; early 16th century
Saint or Apostle's head
Reliquaries (repositories for holy relics) were found in some of the wealthiest London churches until the Reformation. They were often displayed in costly casings, and were considered to have special curative powers. This bronze reliquary was found in the Thames at Wapping in 1870 and was probably thrown away sometime between 1548 and 1557 when 'all monuments of feigned miracles, pilgrimages, idolatory and superstition' were banned and destroyed. It is conceivable that the reliquary came from one of the religious houses in the vicinity, perhaps St Katherine-by-the-Tower, or the Abbey Graces.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- 8932
- Object name:
- Saint or Apostle's head
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- late 15th century; early 16th century
- Material:
copper alloy, brass
- Measurements/duration:
- H 465 mm, W 400 mm, D 240 mm (overall), H 475 mm, D 240 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.