Acquired in Norfolk and quite probably from there, this interesting oak carved figure of a monk probably depicts Thomas Becket, who was Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century and was murdered by four knights close to King Henry II. He was much revered as a saint from then until the Reformation under Henry VIII. He is often shown in this kneeling position praying prior to his death. The figure was probably a finial on a pew end and then quickly removed prior to the arrival of the iconoclasts. The British Museum held a very interesting exhibtion this year entitled "Thomas Becket murder and making of a saint". It stands 12 1/2 inches high.

Ref: 10403

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