St. Oliver Plunkett's Pectoral Cross?
St Oliver Plunkett's mortal remains lie in his shrine in the Abbey Church here at Downside. St Oliver was martyred in 1681 at Tyburn, and was the last Catholic to be so executed for his faith in England.
Today we were lucky enough to be visited by Dr. Michael Skivington who brought with him what is reputed to be the pectoral cross of St Oliver Plunkett. The cross has been passed down through his family as the relic of this martyr. Authenticated as being from the 17th century, it is very possible this relic belonged to St Oliver, however no provenance exists to be able to verify this one hundred percent.
The cross was taken to the shrine of St Oliver and reunited with its owner for the first time in almost four hundred years.
Downside thanks Dr. Michael Skivington for taking the time to bring us this unique item and allowing us to see it.