Instruments of the Passion

The Instruments of the Passion, ‘Arma Christi’, or ‘Weapons of Christ’ are believed to achieve Jesus’ conquest of Satan. With a maximum of about 20 items, they were often depicted in Christian art during the late Middle Ages, and sometimes held by angels.

Those depicted in these Sanctuary windows are:- The Crown of Thorns, the Ladder used to take Jesus down from the Cross after his death’, Nails used to inflict the  wounds on his hands and feet, Whip to give him 39 lashes, his Seamless robe or tunic, for which the Roman soldiers cast lots,  and a Sponge on a Spear, used to give him vinegar to drink .