Monstrances date back to mediaeval times. They were used as receptacles in which sacred relics were held up to view. After the 14th century, however, the term was restricted to the shrine in which the consecrated Host was exhibited.

The earliest monstrances followed the usual shape of reliquaries of the time - cylindrical crystal case mounted in richly decorated metal frames. Some were turret-shaped (e.g. a 15th century example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London).

It was not until the 16th century that the present type was adopted which consists of a circular disc of glass or crystal to contain the sacred Host mounted in a frame of metal rays and supported by a metal stem and base often richly decorated.

The exposition of the Host dates from the institution of the Festival of Corpus Christi by Pope Urban IV in 1264. In the exposition and procession which are now the main features of the Festival the monstrance is used to expose the Host and similarly used in Benediction.

There are no examples of pre-Reformation English-made monstrances in existence.

Religious

Vestments