Ecclesiastical stole

Ecclesiastical stoles were long narrow scarves worn around the neck by Christian clergy, they usually fell to the knee or lower. The best English embroidery of this period, known as Opus Anglicanum (Latin for 'English work'), can be seen in this example. It was of superb quality and highly regarded throughout Europe. The heraldic shields shown can be identified as those of some of the leading noble families of the age: Percy, Beauchamp, Roos, Dacre and Blount. However, the way they are arranged here suggests that they may have been selected for decorative reasons.