Containing the bones of Saint Edmund and the relics of the martyred saints Rasyphus and Ravenmis, this altar has been identified as the 'bull's eye' reliquary. Mounted on a small stand and draped with a red cover, this reliquary contained in its centre a large precious stone (gemma speciosa et spatiosa).
Natives of Britain, Rasyphus and Ravenmis fled to France to escape the invading Anglo-Saxons. Settling in Gaul and becoming hermits, they were martyred for the faith at Macé by the advancing Arian Goths in 5th century. Their relics are to be found enshrined in the cathedral of Bayeux.
See Also - Reliquary
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