Rare scroll discovered at England’s oldest Catholic convent

A rare medieval scroll has been uncovered in the archives of Bar Convent in York, England, offering fresh insights into medieval devotional practices. The illuminated Arma Christi scroll, dating back to around 1475, is one of the best-preserved examples ever found and contains unique features that suggest it may have been used for communal prayer rather than private devotion.

Medievalists.net explains that the scroll was discovered by Dr. Hannah Thomas, Special Collections Manager at Bar Convent, during a routine cataloguing of the convent’s historical collection. Initially appearing as a modest, unassuming document, the scroll’s intricate details were revealed once unfurled.

“This is an illuminated script, with hand-drawn figures and beautiful calligraphy — a medieval work of art in its own right,” Dr. Thomas told Medievalists.net. What makes this scroll truly special is the presence of response texts after each verse of the O Vernicle prayer poem, a feature not seen in previously known copies. This suggests it was used in group settings, possibly by families or religious communities, rather than by individuals alone.

Only 10 other Arma Christi scrolls are known to exist, all dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. These devotional objects, produced by skilled craftsmen, were rare even in their own time. Many were lost or destroyed during the Reformation, particularly after Catholicism was outlawed under Elizabeth I. That the Bar Convent scroll has survived for over 500 years is remarkable, making it a precious window into England’s pre-Reformation faith.

Founded in 1686, Bar Convent is England’s oldest surviving Catholic convent. Throughout centuries of persecution, it became a custodian of religious artifacts, safeguarding Catholic heritage in times of great danger. However, records do not indicate when the Arma Christi scroll entered the convent’s care, leaving part of its history a mystery.

The newly discovered scroll will be the centerpiece of a special exhibition at the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, opening on April 5, 2025. To mark the occasion, a special Mass incorporating prayers from the scroll will be celebrated, attended by representatives from the Archbishop of York’s office, local dignitaries, and interfaith leaders. The service is expected to be livestreamed, allowing a global audience to witness this extraordinary moment in Catholic heritage.

“This discovery has remained hidden for over 500 years, so we know people won’t mind waiting a little longer to see it,” Sister Ann Stafford, Superior of Bar Convent, told Medievalists.net.

For more details or to book tickets for the exhibition, visit www.barconvent.co.uk.