ABSTRACT
After this my lord was taken to see several abbeys of the Benedictine Order which are in England. 1 We saw two churches which are splendid beyond measure, also two splendid pictures and altars, as well as a great golden shrine in which lies St Sigmund [St Osmund]. They showed us also a stone which came from Jerusalem wherein is the imprint of our Lord’s foot. It came from the Mount of Olives, from the place where our Lord used to pray. They showed us also many other famous relics. We saw also some fine carved figures which were so worked with weights that they moved as if to show how the Three Holy Kings brought gifts to our Lady and her Babe, how our Lord reached out to take the gifts, and how our Lady and Joseph bowed and did obeisance to the Three Kings, and how they took their leave. All this was presented with rare and masterly skill as if they were alive. There was also a similar carving showing our Lord rising from the tomb and the angels ministering to him. This was a splendid and praiseworthy thing to see. 2 The Abbot showed my lord great honour 58and reverence, and gave him a splendid repast in his palace which was hung with tapestries and other priceless things. He conducted my lord also into the choir, where we heard the choir singing which was delightful to hear. 3
