Bishop’s crook last held 700 years ago journeys back to where it was buried
An ‘exquisite' medieval crozier last held by a bishop in Scotland more than 700 years ago to project power over his flock is going on show close to where it was buried alongside its owner.
The crozier, excavated from the grave of Bishop Henry who died in the late 13th century, is held by national museums scotland,but is now heading back to Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway.
There, it will go on display at the exhibition of Face to Face with whit horn' s bishops, where a facial reconstruction of bishop Henry is revealed.
Dr Alice Blackwell, senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland, said: “The crozier is an object with significant local resonance and profile and we are delighted to support its return to Whithorn, on loan from National Museums Scotland."
Croziers were a symbol of power used only by the most importantreligious leaders of the time with the staffs usually resembling elaborate shepherd’s crooks, symbolising a bishop’s role as overseer of their ‘flock’.
The hooked crook was also in use in 1329 when King Robert visited Whithorn on his last pilgrimage.
Ms Blackwell said The W hit horn crozier was a particularly exquisite example of medieval craftsman ship which dated to the late 12 th century and made from gilt bronze and adorned with enamel inlay.
It was discovered during the excavation of the bishops’ graves at Whithorn in the 1950s and 1960s which shed great light on life in this early christian centre.
The graves were found at the Pre mon st ra tens ian priory of Whithorn, which also served as the cathedral for the bishops of Galloway, who were, at least for a time, buried before the high altar.
At least 28 graves were discoveredin total, many likely to have been religious donors and their families, including women and children. At least four individuals wore gold or silver rings, set with amethysts, emeralds and sapphires. NMS said that stable isotope analysis, which studies the chemicals absorbed into bones and teeth, were carried out to reveal more about the diet and geography of an individual. Tests showed the bishops were more likely to have come from outside Galloway, and ate a more marine-heavy diet.
The cathedral and priory was re-founded in the 12th century, but Whithorn has been a famous church for much longer.
According to an article published by NMS, the first named Christian in Scotland was Latinus of Whithorn who lived in the 5th century. The site later became famous as the shrine of St Ninian, a legendary bishop who was remembered for his missionary work in southernscotland. by the 8 th century, Ninian’s life story had become famous, and his shrine continuedto receive pilgrims and royal patron age throughout the medieval period.
Dr Blackwell added: “We are committed to bringing the National Collection to audiences across Scotland, and championing local heritage.
"We hope visitors to Face to Face with Whithorn's Bishops are inspired by this remarkable object to learn more about the fascinating history of the area.”