An especially uncommon pre-Reformation Catholic prayer scroll is to go on show in York subsequent month, after it was mysteriously present in a shoebox.
Dr Hannah Thomas, Particular Collections Supervisor on the Bar Convent found the scroll whereas she was cataloguing the convent’s stock. In a shoebox full of leaflets from the Eighties, she additionally discovered a six inch extensive rolled up scroll.
Describing the discover, Dr Thomas, mentioned, “That is an illuminated script, with hand-drawn figures and delightful calligraphy – it’s a medieval murals in its personal proper.
“Nonetheless, the place it differs from the opposite examples which were found is that this isn’t merely an illustrated poem or prayer created for personal contemplation, however that includes response texts suggesting it was utilized by teams or households as they gathered collectively for prayers within the residence.”
As solely 11 such scrolls are recognized to exist on this planet, and little or no is understood about them. It was beforehand believed that they had been for personal prayer and devotion, nevertheless the inclusion of pink inked response traces, strongly suggests they had been utilized in public or group worship.
This specific scroll is believed up to now from round 1475 and is the very best preserved of all of the recognized specimens. One of many causes such scrolls are so uncommon is that, following the Reformation, practising Catholicism turned a treasonable act.
The Bar Convent was based in 1686, making it the oldest residing convent in Britain. How the scroll got here to be of their possession isn’t exactly recognized, as there aren’t any information of its existence. Nonetheless, many objects sacred to Catholics got to their look after safekeeping throughout the years of anti-Catholic persecution.
Sister Ann Stafford, Superior of the Bar Convent, has confirmed {that a} particular mass will probably be held that includes the prayers and devotional materials from the scroll.
The exhibition for the scroll will probably be open to the general public from 5 April 2025.
