Church Curiosities
Strange Objects and Bizarre Legends
1st Edition
Published on 18. March 2021
96 pages
978-1-78442-445-9 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
More details
Series
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
Fully illustrated throughout
ISBN-13
978-1-78442-445-9 (9781784424459)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
03/2021
Shire Publications
€32.37
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
David Castleton is an author, poet, blogger and freelance journalist, best known for his novel The Standing Water. He has always had an interest in poking around ruined castles and abbeys and absorbing spooky old wives' tales and has taught English at the University of Manchester.
Content
Introduction
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
Further Reading
Index
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
Further Reading
Index
