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.

Table of Contents

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

Title: Church Curiosities: Strange Objects and Bizarre Legends
Author: David Castleton
ISBN: 9781784424442
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date: 2021