Philly has William Penn’s Baptismal Font

This beautiful octagonal baptismal font inside Christ Church dates from the 1400s. It’s also supposed to be the one in which William Penn was baptized. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

The Anglicans’ revenge

This font is an Anglican “gotcha.”  

It’s to remind Quaker leader William Penn that he was baptized!

I’ve heard it was “a temporary loan” from All Hallow's Church, Barking by-the-Tower, the oldest one in London. However, tour guides I know who have visited there say this church wants it back. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

This baptismal font is a spectacular piece. And silversmith extraordinaire Philip Syng, Sr. is said to have made the silver baptismal bowl that fits inside this font.

Some Sources: 

https://christchurchphila.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/063F56FE-BE72-458E-A39A-452338941463#:~:text=It%20came%20from%20All%20Hallows,to%20fit%20inside%20this%20font.

http://drphysick.com/christchurch.html

https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/PA-02-PH4

https://www.ahbtt.org.uk/visit/historyeducation/
https://www.ushistory.org/tour/christ-church.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqP7LrO95ajAgsvkMs2cOKZOkIJ2vI-UQ9JGABzbeB5x9ObVKvx#google_vignette