Carved capital decorated with stylised animal heads. From Hyde Church, Hyde Abbey, Winchester, Hampshire.

Stoup

Medieval, 12th century

Discovered in St Bartholemew's Church, Hyde, Winchester, Hampshire, but thought to be originally from Hyde Abbey

A stoup in the form of a capital, decorated with stylised animal heads. The stoup, placed near the door, was a small basin which would have contained holy water to "cleanse" the visitor entering the abbey church.