Church curiosities: strange objects and bizarre legends

Abstract

"In churches and cathedrals across Britain, tucked away among ordinary items such as pews, screens and pulpits, sit a plethora of fascinating and unexpected objects. From dragon-slaying spears and the ribs of monstrous cows, to pagan altars, reindeer horns and mummified skulls, these curiosities have intrigued generations of visitors. In this captivating history, David Castleton explores this fascinating world of lepers' squints, pancake bells, virgin garlands and sanctuary knockers, and unravels the tales, legends and folkloric ceremonies that lay behind these charming and often deeply unusual artefacts." --

Contents

Standing stones, runes and pagan altars -- Legendary skulls, strange remains and weird repositories -- Giants' graves, odd epitaphs and resurrection men -- Mysterious crypts, secret tunnels and macabre effigies -- Holy wells, sacred eels and saints' skulls -- Odd artefacts and strange ceremonies -- An emporium of oddities.