Inside of the Monymusk reliquary

Add to album

This portable reliquary, known as the Monymusk Reliquary, is one of Scotland's greatest treasures. It dates from around 750, and was an important object into the Middle Ages. This picture shows the inside of the reliquary.

The reliquary has a hipped roof and a base in the form of an open box. The two parts are hinged at the back and were originally locked closed at the front with a pin.

The reliquary is thought to be the Brechbennoch of St Columba which was entrusted by William the Lion to the Monks of Arbroath before 1211. It may have contained some of Columba's bones but is now empty, probably robbed after the Reformation.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-000-701-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KE 14
• Date: Around 750
  c. 700
  
• Material: Bronze, silver, wood
  Reliquary
  
• Dimensions: 112 mm x 51 mm x 89 mm
  
• What: Reliquary
  
• Subject: Crucifixes, reliquaries (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Abbot Bernard de Linton
  Grant of Monymusk
  St Columba
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Monymusk
  Scotland, Angus, Arbroath Abbey
  
• Event:
• Description: Monymusk Reliquary, of wood, bronze and silver decorated with intertwined animals, which may have contained a relic of St Columba, made in eastern Scotland c. 700
  
• References:
  • Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp 26, 74 
  • Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 
• Translations:
• Related Records: