Archangel goes on display

Visitors can see the replica 364 days a year

A replica of a unique stone carving has been made because the original is locked away in a village church bell tower for security.

The carving of Archangel Gabriel attracts visitors from across the globe to Breedon Priory in Breedon-on-Hill, Leicestershire.

But visitors have missed out on seeing the 1,300 year old Anglo-Saxon carving because it is locked in the bell tower.

Now visitors will be able to see the "warts and all" replica on view in the main church every day except Christmas Day.

Hidden away

Church warden Ted Osbond said it was the only stone carving of the archangel in Western Europe.

"The angel itself, which is dated 700 AD, is locked up where people cannot see it because it is in the bell tower.

The replica is described as "warts and all"

"We thought we would make a replica which will be put in the body of the church so people can see it all the time.

"We get a lot of visitors who want to see it and the replica is absolutely identical, warts and all."

Missing bits on the original have been reproduced on the replica.

But limestone used in the original carving is no longer available so the replica is made from the nearest match from stone quarried in Wiltshire.

Former monastery

The only other difference is that the replica will not be covered in hundreds of years of dirt and grime.

The origins of the carving are unclear, but Mr Osbond said it had been at Breedon Priory for hundreds of years.

Breedon Priory, formerly known as St Mary and St Hardulph, has an array of Anglo-Saxon carvings and dates back to 675 AD when there was a monastery on the site.

Mr Osbond said people would still be able to see the original Gabriel carving by prior arrangement.