crucifix

This 13th century crucifix, found beneath the floor of St Nicholas Church in Norfolk, was probably made in Limoges, France. Limoges can trace its history to before the Romans, and was an important artistic presence by the 11th century. It had a large library within the Abbey of St Martial and was home to a celebrated school of music composition, the St. Martial School. Artisans flourished here. It is possible that the owner of this crucifix brought it themselves in Limoges, thanks to the close ties between Britain and France following the Norman invasion. It could also have arrived in England as a gift or via a trader. The Abbey and its library were ransacked and destroyed during the French Revolution. Despite this, Limoges retained its reputation for the arts - both the celebrated painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir and the influential theatremaker Andre Antoine were born in Limoges.