Mr Dickinson began by explaining that his interest in misericords began when he saw the one in Ripon Minster depicting a rabbit and griffin which was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice books. Since then he has done a vast amount of research for Lancaster University and published a book on the subject. Misericords are ledges in the choir stalls which were used by the monks to ease the strain of standing at prayer for long periods. Some of the first examples in the 13 Century are found in Exeter Cathedral depicting an elephant and swan knight and there are earlier ones in Germany.
Notable ones in the North West are in Lancaster Priory, Cartmel Priory, Chester Cathedral, Whalley Abbey, Manchester Cathedral and Blackburn Cathedral. Subjects depicted include tales of the saints, stories to illustrate morals, animals as described in a bestiary, animals satirising humans, in allegorical situations, and displaying human characteristics e.g. sly fox.
Production of these expensive items of church furniture ceased in 1530 at the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Users Today : 0
Users Last 7 days : 57
Users Last 30 days : 806
Total views : 16905