Hereditary keeper
Videos
Hereditary keepers were lay individuals or families tasked over generations with the long-term, usually multi-generational, guardianship of historically significant holy objects such as or relics or t
The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell kept by the Ó Maellchallain family until th early 19th century. Now in the NMI.
Shrine of Saint Lachtin's Arm, c. 1120
Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell
Videos
The Shrine of St. Patrick's Bell is a bell shrine reliquary dated to c. 1094–1105. It was built in County Armagh, Ireland, to contain a c. 500 iron hand-bell which survives and is traditionally associ
Hereditary keeper
…to families were passed down from generation to generation. There are a couple we can trace back from the 19th century to the 12th century, such as St Patrick's Bell." In Scotland, a deòradh was officially appointed and given the insignia of office. The individual hereditary family member thus had ecclesiastical…
Campana di san patrizio e il suo contenitore, da armagh, co. armagh, VI VIII secolo, poi 1100 ca. 02
The bell and shrine on display
The front crest with gilt bronze cap, confronted birds, a large blue glass boss, and extensive filigree.
Detail of the left hand side