13c Ranworth (Norfolk), Church of St. Helen, detail of St. Barbara. The northern group presents an abbess (Ethedreda?), Agnes, John the Baptist (object of local devotion), and Barbara.  Barbara is seen wearing a crown, a heavenly reward of her faith and carrying the palm that is the symbol of martyrdom.  She holds a miniature tower, the image of the tower where she was imprisoned by her father in a vain attempt to keep her from learning the Christian faith.  Barbara was revered as a protector from unexpected death, that is, death without the comfort of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Extreme Unction.