What the heck is a lek?
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
This is a fine example of a Limoges enamelled crucifix figure dating from the late 12th century. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Limoges was a major centre for production of enamelled objects, which were exported all over Europe. This cross was found under a heavy stone in the courtyard of Mompesson House in Salisbury in the 19th century. It is not known how it got there.
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Limoges was the capital of Aquitaine, a Plantagenet stronghold with strong connections to England. Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of England in 1152. Limoges was an important point on the medieval pilgrim route from Vezelay in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and by the early 13th century the production of Limoges enamel was exported all over Europe.
Over 1,000 Limoges crosses survive today, probably a tenth of the production of the Limoges workshops of the 12th – 14th centuries. In 1215 Pope Innocent III decreed that every church in Europe must own at least one Limoges enamel.
Salisbury Museum’s cross measures 211mm in height and 163mm in width. It is broken off above the head and below the feet but is otherwise well preserved. A technique called “champlevé”, whereby the copper surface was cut with engraving tools to produce sunken fields, which were filled with powdered glass and then fired. Although they may look delicate, Limoges enamels were rather robust. The copperplate base is relatively thick. Unlike gold or silver, it is not easily misshapen. The enamelled surface does not fracture easily, enabling it to survive under a stone, where it was eventually discovered.
Salisbury Museum volunteer, Bob Gann said, “I have been a pilgrim myself. I’ve walked the Camino pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I’m fascinated by objects created in the Middle Ages on the pilgrim routes and was intrigued by the mystery of how the Limoges Cross got to Salisbury and why it was hidden under a stone.”
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Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!