Importance of The Lead Cross

Crispin's cross is made of lead and is worn around his neck. It belonged to his mother, who wrote words on it that Crispin cannot read. Father Quinel, the priest of Stromford, gives Crispin the cross and tells him to flee the village. What is written on the cross is a complete mystery to Crispin throughout most of the story. Later, Crispin finds out that the words written on the cross are "Crispin - son of Furnival". He uses the cross as a bargaining device to ensure Bear's release from the Furnival palace. At the end of the book he drops the cross on John Aycliffe's body as he leaves the city.