Sweet Babies

In our travels we have visited many cathedrals and churches, all of which have some interesting historical artefacts, moving epitaphs, and devoted congregations speaking with visitors, not only about the buildings, but also about their faith. Fonts are always interesting, and we have seen many old enough to have carvings around them defaced during Henry VIII’s reformation, or by the Puritans following the Civil War in the 17th Century. However, this font in Norwich Cathedral is the most memorable, and it’s the youngest of them all.

For many years, the confectionary company Rowntree Macintosh was a major employer in Norwich. The local factory closed down in 1994, and in recognition of the companies historic ties to the community, two enormous copper bowls which had been used in the manufacture of toffee where given to the Cathedral, and fashioned into this stunning modern font. I love the idea of babies being baptised from a bowl once produced chocolates, and maybe God is having a smile as well.