Almoner Collection

Coronation Pageantry of the Past (colour litho)
5236297 Coronation Pageantry of the Past (colour litho) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Coronation Pageantry of the Past)

Coronation Pageantry of the Past. Top, Services at the Coronation Banquet of Henry VIII, middle left
2915347 Coronation Pageantry of the Past. Top, Services at the Coronation Banquet of Henry VIII, middle left, The Herb Strewer at the Coronation of George IV, middle right

Thomas Wolsey
3585863 Thomas Wolsey; (add.info.: Portrait of Thomas Wolsey (1473-1530) an English churchman, statesman and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church

Portraits of Rogier Le Witer and his Wife, Catharina Behaghel, 1635. Creator: Jacob Jordaens
Portraits of Rogier Le Witer and his Wife, Catharina Behaghel, 1635

Heloise d Argenteuil, nun, scholar and writer, best known for her romance with Abelard, died 1164
FLO4657243 Heloise d Argenteuil, nun, scholar and writer, best known for her romance with Abelard, died 1164. The large purse hanging from her belt is called an escarcelle (aumoniere or almoner)

Bluecoat Boy, illustration from London Types, published by William Heinemann, 1898 (hand-coloured woodcut)
ELB109851 Bluecoat Boy, illustration from London Types, published by William Heinemann, 1898 (hand-coloured woodcut) by Nicholson, William (1872-1949); Private Collection; © Desmond Banks

Cardinal Wolsey at Leicester Abbey, illustration from The Church of England
STC393362 Cardinal Wolsey at Leicester Abbey, illustration from The Church of England: A History for the People by H.D.M. Spence-Jones, pub

Heloise d Argenteuil, died 1164
Heloise d Argenteuil, nun, scholar and writer, best known for her romance with Abelard, died 1164. The large purse hanging from her belt is called an escarcelle (aumoniere or almoner)

The Popes Almoner relieving the Poor on the Anniversary of the Commencement of his Pontificate (engraving)
2773779 The Popes Almoner relieving the Poor on the Anniversary of the Commencement of his Pontificate (engraving) by English School

The arrival of Cardinal Wolsey at Leicester Abbey, 1530
STC358141 The arrival of Cardinal Wolsey at Leicester Abbey, 1530, illustration from Hutchinsons Story of the British Nation, c.1920 (litho) by Gilbert

Swiss lady, 16th century
5855257 Swiss lady, 16th century by Lechevallier-Chevignard, Edmond (1825-1902); (add.info.: Swiss lady, 16th century, from a painting on vellum in the collection of Hippolyte Destailleur)

Festival at Grimston Park, Yorkshire, in Aid of the York Association for the Care of Young Girls (engraving)
1614223 Festival at Grimston Park, Yorkshire, in Aid of the York Association for the Care of Young Girls (engraving) by English School

Portrait of an Almoner of Antwerp, 1542. Creator: Antwerp 16th Century
Portrait of an Almoner of Antwerp, 1542

Cardinal Wolsey, 1785. Creator: Unknown
Cardinal Wolsey, 1785. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (1473-1530), Archbishop of York, Lord Chancellor of England, English bishop, statesman and a cardinal of the Catholic Church

Antoine Francois Prevost, 1745. Creator: Georg Friedrich Schmidt
Antoine Francois Prevost, 1745. Portrait of French priest and translator Antoine Francois Prevost (1697-1763), almoner to the Prince de Conti and author of " Manon Lescaut"

Portraits of Rogier Le Witer, Catharina Behaghel and Magdale
Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678). Flemish painter. Portraits of Rogier Le Witer, Catharina Behaghel and Magdalene de Cuyper, c. 1635-1636. Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam. Holland

Swiss lady, 16th century, in bodice and silk dress with almoner (aumoniere) on a blue ribbon.. From a painting on vellum in the collection of Hippolyte Destailleur. Handcolored illustration by E

The Royal Maundy, St Pauls Cathedral, London
The Royal Maundy in St Pauls Cathedral. Distribution of new coinage by the Lord High Almoner, Dr Armitage Robinson, when 46 men and 46 women received the gift - 2/5s to each man

Antwerp 16th Century, Portrait of an Almoner of Antwerp, 1542, oil on panel

Cardinal Wolsey entertaining the French ambassadors in Hampton Court Palace
KW469525 Cardinal Wolsey entertaining the French ambassadors in Hampton Court Palace, from History of Hampton Court Palace in Tudor Times by Ernest Law

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Exploring the Role of an Almoner: From Medieval Romance to Pontifical Charity" Step into the captivating world of almoners, as depicted in various artworks and illustrations throughout history. In a stunning colour lithograph titled "Coronation Pageantry of the Past, " we catch a glimpse of their presence amidst grand ceremonies. The portraits of Rogier Le Witer, Catharina Behaghel, and Magdale further showcase their significance in society. One notable figure associated with this role is Heloise d'Argenteuil, a nun renowned for her romance with Abelard. Her image reveals an intriguing accessory - a large purse called an escarcelle or almoner - symbolizing her commitment to charitable acts. The Bluecoat Boy illustration from "London Types" transports us back to 1898 when almoners were still prevalent. Their duty was not limited to religious settings; Cardinal Wolsey's depiction at Leicester Abbey highlights how they extended their aid beyond church walls. In another engraving titled "The Pope's Almoner relieving the Poor, " we witness the compassion that defined these individuals on significant occasions such as anniversaries. This portrayal emphasizes their dedication towards alleviating poverty and supporting those in need. Cardinal Wolsey remains an influential character linked to almonership throughout history. An engraving showcases his arrival at Leicester Abbey in 1530, underscoring his involvement in charitable endeavors during his time as Archbishop of York. Traveling across borders and centuries, we encounter a Swiss lady from the 16th century who embodies both elegance and philanthropy. Her presence reminds us that alms-giving was not confined to any particular region but rather transcended cultural boundaries. A festival held at Grimston Park in Yorkshire serves as evidence of community support for organizations like the York Association for the Care of Young Girls. Engraved scenes capture joyful moments while emphasizing how almoners played a vital role in such events.