A: Hi, I’m Andrew 

S: and I’m Steph.

Welcome back to a new episode of Norfolk Christmas this time Medieval Christmas fun.

A: Particularly, a medieval Christmas token that was found at Oxburgh during an
archaeological survey of the West Park area. 

In the medieval and early Tudor eras, on the Feast Day of St Nicholas (6th December), a choirboy in cathedrals and churches across the country was chosen to act as ‘Boy Bishop’, a parody of the Bishop over the Christmas period. It was a tradition that was also practiced in other countries including Germany, Spain and France. They would lead certain religious services, as well as processions, and would collect money for the church and their local parish. 

Boy Bishops, mostly in Suffolk, also doled out tokens to the poor typically during a procession through the town, which could be spent at the Abbey in Bury St Edmunds or in the locality on food during the period of 6th December (St Nicholas Day) to 28th December (Holy Innocents Day).

Most likely from the Bury St Edmunds Abbey nearly 30 miles away in Suffolk, the token found at Oxburgh dates from between c 1470-1560 and gives us an indication of the distance people may have travelled for these festive celebrations.

The token is on display in the South Corridor inside the hall.