This small alloy effigy of a saint, or perhaps a knight, was found by student archaeologists excavating the suggested site of the castle’s unique Royal Free Chapel.

A ‘Limoges mount’, these were produced in Central France during the 12th and 13th centuries. Mounts like this were often attached by rivets to a reliquary or processional cross.

The find was made underneath what we think might be the chapel’s Ambrey – a secure cupboard where sacred items were kept. Maybe not secure enough, as the bend at the bottom suggests
the mount may have been prized off. Have we uncovered a crime scene?

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