The Mostyn Christ (c.1450)

One of the most iconic religious representations surviving from 15th century Wales and now on display at Bangor Cathedral, the Mostyn Christ is an item shrouded in mystery. The wooden carving of the bound Christ seeks to reflect the meaning of the Passion through the intense depiction of human suffering and the symbolic inclusion of a skull at the feat of Christ. Certainly by the early 19th century the item was in the possession of the Mostyn family at Gloddaith hall. Nevertheless, the origin of the rood has been subject to intense debate over the years with suggestions including Maenan abbey, Gwydir chapel, Rhuddlan friary and the chapel at the residence of the Catholic Pue family at Penrhyn. Alternatively, it is possible that the item was rescued by the Mostyn family sometime during the Reformation. The early chapel at Gloddaith hall was completely decorated with Catholic iconography whereas the branch of the Mostyn family who resided between Talacre and Basingwerk were renowned for their allegiance to the ‘Old Faith’. See: www.churchinwales.org.uk/bangor/cathedral/