Reliquary figure made from gilt copper alloy with red, green and blue enamel. Also 649. From context 19, CHR76-80, Chester Road, Winchester, Hampshire. Excavated by K. Gordeuk and G. Scobie, 1976-80.

Reliquary figure

Medieval, probably 13th century

Found during excavations by Winchester Museums Service Archaeology Section at Chester Road, Winchester in 1976

The figure, that of a saint, was one of perhaps six once fixed to the lid of a wooden casket reliquary. It is made from gilt copper alloy with blue enamel for the eyes, and red and green enamel for the vestments. The style of the embellishment suggests that it was made in Limoges, France. The site at Chester Road is quite close to St John's Church, and perhaps the casket was once used there.