05/09/2026
A THING OF BEAUTY - WELL DONE SHELLEY
All our finds whatever have or let's say will one day have - historical significance (thinking of 'shotties', Kipling pie dishes in a 1000 years time etc there). Some are interesting, others wonderful, important or even magnificent and a few can be a fusion of all these categories such as this amazing recent find made by Shelley. Its a gold medieval iconographic panelled reliquary cross still retaining its locking pin. Such artefacts were often used to contain important 'relics' such as fragments of Christ's cross. Although there were so many fragments of the 'original cross' (and other relics) wandering around as 'touchpieces' and housed in the churches, cathedrals and abbeys of medieval Europe that the original cross would have to have been of considerable size shall we diplomatically say. Just looking at the pin still in situ begs the question 'what's inside?' Is there anything at all in it? Could there be a part of the 'original cross? A small fragment from one of the iron crucifixion nails? Or perhaps a tiny fragment of medieval Bishop's chasuble such as was located inside the Middleham Jewel? Thank you to Shelley for sharing a find that causes both awe and ponderings - and who has written a great article all about this wonderful artefact which will feature in a future magazine issue - Best Jules.
