The ancient depictions of the Nativity in England’s churches

For hundreds of years, the 12 days of Christmas have been a significant highlight of the English religious year. In the medieval period, churches in Britain and Ireland were vividly adorned with paintings, stained glass, and sculptures that depicted the Christmas story. Many of these images were destroyed in the Taliban-like wave of destruction that accompanied the English Reformation. But ancient depictions of the Nativity still exist in our churches – as long as you know where to look. 

Nativity scenes were uncommon during the early medieval period but they began to be carved into our baptismal fonts from around the 12th century. One of the earliest surviving examples in the UK is the font at Fincham in Norfolk, made up of four panels beneath an arcade of rounded arches. One panel illustrates the three Magi giving their gifts to Mary and Joseph, who face outward from the font. The last panel shows Christ in the manger under a daisy-like star, watched over by an ox and a donkey.