UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, French
(active 12th century in Limoges)

Reliquary of St. Thomas Becket

12th century
Limoges enamel
Cathedral Treasury, Hereford

In the Middle Ages the cult of relics was a major preoccupation of both clergy and laity, and there was keen competition to acquire those with most fame and prestige. The most prized relics were those associated with Christ himself, followed by those of major figures such as St. Thomas Becket.

The picture shows one of the several reliquaries which contain relics associated with St Thomas Backet. In the present photo the side of the reliquary with a scene depicting his martyrdom can be seen.