The iconoclasm of the Reformation destroyed objects, furnishings, stained glass and wall paintings with the result that very few medieval church artefacts and decorations survive. Some objects were protected because they had been placed in tombs; some were hidden and came to light later; some, like the Stratford-upon-Avon mace, were altered and re-used in a new context. The Lacock Cup is an example of the opposite process: it is a secular feasting cup re-used as a sacred chalice for serving communion wine in the Protestant church.
Parts of a wooden crucifix
These were probably hidden during the Reformation.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=63344&partId=1&searchText=Reformation&images=true&page=3Silver gilt chalice
The object survived by being placed in a tomb.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=43732&partId=1&searchText=Silver+gilt+chalice&page=1Silver paten
Pre-Reformation paten (communion plate) used with a post-Reformation chalice.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=26644&partId=1&images=true&museumno=1887,0729.3&page=1A salt
Made with pieces of re-used church silver and precious stones.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=70900&partId=1&searchText=reformation&images=true&page=2Silver-gilt tazza
Part of a set of domestic drinking vessels presented to Rochester Cathedral to replace silver melted down during the Reformation.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=71023&partId=1&searchText=reformation&images=true&page=2The Lacock cup
A secular cup turned into a communion chalice after the Reformation.
See more See more: https://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/press_releases/2014/lacock_cup.aspx