Bassetlaw Museum has recently acquired several gold and silver objects through the Treasure Act. Two of the star pieces are symbols of Christian devotion from over 400 years ago.

One item, found in the Tuxford area, is a gold crucifix, showing Jesus crucified on the cross. It is small but spectacular. Christ is shown with a crown of thorns, a halo and even the nails in His hands and feet are visible. Originally the body was coloured with white enamel. Above Christ’s head is a tiny enamel plaque with the letters INRI, standing for the Latin title, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

Remarkably, there is a second inscription in black enamel on the reverse of the cross. This translates as “By your cross, save us, Christ.”

The second artefact, a small silver cross dating from medieval times, was discovered in South Leverton. It is also inscribed with a Latin phrase meaning “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. It was made to be suspended, perhaps as a necklace, or with prayer beads on a rosary.

Both objects were purchased for more than £4000 funded entirely from donations made to the museum.

Museum Curator, Sam Glasswell said, “These are fantastic additions to the museum’s collection. I am so grateful to everyone who has put something in the museum’s donation box. Even the pennies add up and make it possible for us to acquire important and valuable items like

these when they are offered for sale through the Portable Antiquities Scheme!”

Deputy leader of the Council and Portfolio holder for Community Prosperity, Keith Isard, said, “The crosses from South Leverton and Tuxford now on display in Bassetlaw Museum’s archaeology room are the latest additions to the invaluable collection used by the staff to do their work throughout Bassetlaw.

“This includes giving talks to any group that asks, help with the Young Potential project at the Regal in Worksop and lending items for display at Worksop’s new library. The Museum is keen to do more. It’s patch extends from Tuxford to Carlton-in-Lindrick to Misterton and we are looking for ways to extend its services across the district.”

The museum, owned and operated by Bassetlaw District Council, is on Grove Street in Retford and is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. Admission is free.