The remains of a medieval whip used by monks to chastise themselves have been discovered.

Archaeologists unearthed pieces from what is believed to be a monastic copper scourge in the grounds of Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire in 2014. But the significance of the artefacts - which are thought to date from the second half of the 14th century - have only just been confirmed.

It is thought the devices could have been used by monks to ward off the Black Death through self-flagellation and is believed to be one of four of its kind in the country. A similar metal scourge is on display at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire.