12 century Tournai black marble font, Winchester Cathedral in 1974

One face of the 12 century Tournai black marble font, Winchester Cathedral in 1974, depicts a bas relief of St. Nicholas.

In about 1150 this massive font was carved in Belgium from carboniferous limestone, not marble, for Henry de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror and Bishop of Winchester. The Greek Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), Bishop of Myra, was famous for his kindness. This panel shows him with a father whose daughters Saint Nicholas has saved from poverty. The font is still in use.