THE SAXON CATHEDRAL AT CANTERBURY
him to Canterbury in 1006, when he became Archbishop, the head of St. Swithin, as recorded by Edmer. This he deposited with other relics in the altar which was placed in the chord of the apse of the Saxon Church, dedicated to Our Lord. The Sacrist at the Cathedral paid for extra music and bells pro sonitu in 1273, the following sums:
on the ordination of St. Alphage vd.
on the day of St. Alphage (Aprl. 19) if in Lent vijd.
on the day of the translation of St. Alphage (8th June) vijd.
In the Roll of Psalms and Collects for Saints' Days in use at the Cathedral (Ch. Ch., Cant, MSS. Y. 68) in the thirteenth century, occurs the following:
Ad Vesperas
Deus tuorum gloria sacerdotum presta quesumus ut Sancti Maitiris tui atque pontificis Elphegi cuius memoriam agimus senciamus auxilium Per etc.
Ad Laudes, oracio sancti Martiris tui Domine Elphegi nos oracio sancta conciliet que sacris virtutibus veneranda refulget, Per etc.
The jewels and ornaments belonging to the altar of St. Alphage were kept in the Great Cupboard in the church after the enlargement of the choir by St. Anselm in 1100, amongst them was the super altar of St. Alphage and a chalice of gold and crystal enamelled and a paten with pearls, which belonged to St. Alphage himself.
Leland mentions the stone wall (see page 72) behind the High Altar, and between it and the steps leading up to the Archbishop's throne. It was also behind this wall that St. Alphage was buried on the north and St. Dunstan on the south as already stated. Sir William St. John Hope was of opinion that this was
"a stone reredos, no doubt a low wall like that still standing at Westminster Abbey Church, extending across the presbytery and enriched with tabernacle work and imagery on both sides. Against it stood the three altars, viz. The High Altar, and those of St. Alphage and St. Dunstan, with doors between leading to the space behind and to the steps up to the Archbishop's marble chair.[1]
- ↑ Inventories of Christ Church, Canterbury, Legg and Hope, p. 109.
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