Did you work it out what it is?
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It is called a ‘Cresset Stone’.
Each ‘pocket’ or ‘cresset’ was like a little cup containing tallow or fat. A wick would have been placed in the oil and lit.
It was a convenient way of producing affordable light.
Versions with fewer ‘cressets’ were placed in churches, monasteries and convents to provide some lighting in the dark. They might also be used to provide a permanent light before a statue or image.
Large stones like this one at Heighington were often by the door of the church perhaps because the entrance was dark.
They may also have had a role that is very familiar to us.
On entering Church we often find our way to a statue of Jesus, Mary, or one of the Saints and there we offer a prayer. We light a candle as part of our prayer.
As the light burns we reflect upon how our prayers are before the Lord at all times.
The light reminds us that Christ, the Light of the World, see us and watches over us. We are reassured that the Saints who are in the presence of God continually intercede on our behalf and for our concerns.
Votive lights have been part of Christian worship for a very long time!
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