MILTON ABBEY

The Hanging Tabernacle

The Hanging Tabernacle or pyx-shrine is thought to be unique in England (In Germany there are stone Sakraments-haus).  It is 9 feet tall, in four sections, and constructed from oak.  Originally, it would have been brightly painted and suspended from a boss in the roof above the Altar.  It was used to reserve the Sacrament and would have been lowered when required.  This is one of the oldest and most important treasures in the Abbey.