A humeral veil, believed to be of late 17th or early 18th-century origin, has been found in a secluded corner near the Cathedral clock of Wells Cathedral.

Robin Duijs, who discovered the artefact while leading a High Parts tour some years ago, recently reached out to the Royal School of Needlework for expertise on the find.

The veil was initially seen as an embroidery tucked away in an old picture frame, neglected and pushed into a corner. Duijs decided to photograph the intriguing item and sought advice from experts at the Royal School of Needlework, based in Hampton Court.

The Humeral Veil, Image by David Bevan (Credit: Wells Cathedral)

Following a series of emails, the experts revealed that the item is a humeral veil, traditionally worn by priests over their shoulders during the celebration of Mass. The veil features pockets on the reverse side, allowing the officiating clergy to place their hands in them when holding sacred vessels. While the design suggests that it could be Jesuit in origin, experts noted that there is no conclusive evidence for this claim. The veil could also be of Continental European origin due to its minimal ecclesiastical iconography.

The fabric of the veil is thought to be made of silk or cloth of gold and showcases a variety of stitches, including satin stitch, long and short stitch, and some couching. It appears to have undergone some conservation efforts in the past.

The embroidery features a series of cryptic inscriptions, including "I.H.S" and "M.A.R," the meanings of which are still under investigation. I.H.S. is generally a contraction of the Greek word for Jesus, while M.A.R could signify a variety of things, from "My Lord" to "Master of Arts in Religion."

As for what happens next, Duijs states that the veil needs to be carefully conserved and displayed, owing to its delicate nature and historical significance. "It is beautiful and very delicate—and difficult to photograph!" said Duijs, underscoring the importance of preserving this fascinating discovery for future generations.

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