Misericords of St Laurence's church, Ludlow #symbols

Misericords provided support for the clergy and choir as they stood during long church services.  In St Laurence's church in Ludlow, which I visited this week, there are 28 of them, the largest collection in any parish church.  These were carved in the early 15th century and are decorated with symbolic images. Here are 10 of them.

This represents a harpy with bats' wings like her evil companions. Harpies were believed to charm men in order to destroy them. There is a definite anti-feminist viewpoint linked to Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Supported by dolphins, the mermaid was a seductress who lured men to their death.

The Bishop bathed in sunlight, supported by two mitres, represent the goodness of the church.

We might recognise these as the Prince of Wales feathers but when this was carved, they were remembered as the badge of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince, father of Richard II.

And here is the Hart at Rest, badge of Richard II, deposed by Henry IV, the first Lancastrian King.

A falcon supported by heraldic fetterlocks were the personal badge of Richard Duke of York (1411-1460) lord of Ludlow.

Contrary to modern thought, owls were used in medieval symbolism to represent ignorance and darkness.

A swan with two leaves was the badge of Mary de Bohun who married Henry Bolingbroke, later Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king.

A griffin was said to guard hidden treasure so became a symbol of watchfulness and was adopted as a badge by Edward III.

Departing from royalty I will end with the drunken tapster, taking illicit wine from his master's cask, thereby breaking his trust.