Treasures of faith discovered at Barnetby Church now on display

Three remarkable treasures recently discovered at St Mary’s Church, Barnetby, have been united in a display of community faith, craftsmanship and care at the North Lincolnshire Museum, Scunthorpe. 

The objects – a medieval paten (plate) and Elizabethan chalice (cup) – will join one of the finest surviving Romanesque lead fonts, of the same church, already on display at the museum. It is now being accompanied by these sacred vessels that were central to Christian services down the ages. 

The plate and cup are striking relics that tell a story of generations of faith. Together they stretch back to the Norman period, through to the Reformation, and even to the present day when they were used during the Covid years. Their historic importance was unknown until now. 

After Churchwarden Allison Thomas carried out parish research into the objects, Revd Lee Gabel recognised them as the vessels he had used during church livestreams in the Covid years. They were returned to storage following the pandemic, since their fragility made them unsuitable for regular use, risking their fading into obscurity.  

While the objects were safe, their historic importance came as a big surprise. Experts at the museum identified the paten as dating from the fifteenth century and the chalice from the sixteenth century. 

After becoming aware of their history and following discussion with the church team, the museum was interested in putting the unique items on display with other architectural fragments, including medieval crosses. Their discovery creates a fuller picture of the parish history of Barnetby. 

Allison Thomas, Churchwarden and Focal Minister at St Barnabas Church, Barnetby, said the significance of the objects emerged through parish research:  

“I was looking through a research folder and came across a photograph of this chalice and paten. They seemed familiar. Then I noticed words such as ‘Pre-Reformation’ and ‘Medieval’ written on the file. That got my attention.” 

“The objects are marvellous. The face of Jesus on the paten is extraordinary, and the changing light brings out different details and patterns across the surface.” 

Revd Lee, Rector of Barnetby-le-Wold, said the vessels should be shared more widely: 

“We realized these objects really ought to be shared with the public. They’re far too important to remain locked away in a safe. They should be seen and appreciated.” 

Carol Stothard, Churchwarden of St Barnabas Church, Barnetby, welcomed the reunion of the objects: 

“It’s lovely to have them connected with the font. They’re both from the old church of St Mary’s, so they belong together, reunited.” 

Share this story