Ecclesiastical Box
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Object number04223
TitleEcclesiastical Box
DescriptionOne of the oldest items illustrating the Burgh’s story in our collection, this little box is a rare object from a time when Stirling was at the centre of religious and political life of Scotland. It dates from the very early 16th century and was most likely used to store papers or alms at one of the town’s religious orders.
While the outside of this wooden box is pleasingly painted with flowers, its real beauty lies within. It is lined with what we now know to be pages from a Book of Hours, according to the Sarum Rite dating from 1503. Printed in Latin, the text is complemented by intricate illustrations and illuminated lettering – a Renaissance work of art.
The Book of Hours was a medieval bestseller – from the 14th to the mid-16th century more of them were made than any other type of book. They were created as functional prayer books for people who were not ordained in the Church, designed to foster devotion and reflection in daily life. Although these books vary, they all include a set of prayers in eight sections called the Hours of the Virgin. These were said at regular intervals throughout the day, in praise of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
A Book of Hours included other elements too – quite often they contained a calendar of saints’ days and festivals; a set of lessons from the Gospels; psalms and prayers to the saints. This flexibility, combined with increasing literacy and a move to personal piety and reflection, helped make such books so popular in medieval times.
Production date 1500 - 1650
Production period16th Century
Object nameBox, Ecclesiastical Box
Dimensions
whole Width: 330 mm
whole Height: 150 mm
whole Depth: 190 mm
whole Height: 150 mm
whole Depth: 190 mm