Thorn from crucifixion goes on display

A thorn claimed to be taken from the crown worn by Jesus at his crucifixion is to go on show at the British Museum.

The relic has been stored for the last 200 years at Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe and is said to have been presented to Mary Queen of Scots by the French royal family.

According to the Daily Mail, the artefact is now being loaned to the museum for its Treasures of Heaven exhibition, which opens later this year.

Jan Graffius, a curator at Stonyhusrt, told the publication: "It is an incredible object and we are really delighted that it will form part of the British Museum exhibition. It is a priceless treasure."

The collection goes on display on June 23rd and runs until October 9th 2011.

More than 140 objects will be on show in total, including items loaned from the Vatican and museums in the US and European church treasuries.