Strange creatures represented in medieval manuscripts are not uncommon. They can be seen mostly in the margins of many early European illuminated manuscripts and early books dedicated to animals are generally known as bestiaries. Some of our own manuscripts at ...
The stalls in the quire of St George’s Chapel hold a wealth of intricate wood carving which was carried out by carpenters for the King’s new works within the Castle of Windsor. In letters patent of May 1475 John Squyer ...
Death and sinning were common scenes carved on medieval misericords as sculptors highlighted the world around them. Sudden death was kept alive in people’s minds, not only through visual warnings of doom and damnation as seen in paintings and sermons ...
The misericords of St George’s Chapel form one of the finest collections of 15th century carvings in the country. The carvers could choose what they wanted to depict, leading to scenes taken from bestiaries, literature and proverbs, and all aspects ...
The concept of women leading men to their doom is pre-Christian. Some of the better known were Sirens who according to Greek mythology were half-bird, half-woman creatures who would captivate sailors with their beautiful song, lulling them to sleep and ...
In a 15th century manuscript in the Archives of Balliol College, Oxford appears the following carol: When these things following be done to our intent, Then put women in trust and confident… When sparrows build churches on a height And ...