Here are just a few of the effigies which can be found on St James Church, Louth.
I don't know the story behind most, but I can tell you about two.
 |
| Mr Edward Wilson and Cannon A C P Ward |
They are not very big, well not compared to the window. The church has many windows so they could easily be missed. I went there this morning with the sole purpose of finding them. Luckily I had a rough idea of where to look.
I recently read an article in Lincolnshire Life Magazine which showed a small photograph of the two sculptures, the magazine was dated 1969 - almost 50 years ago.
Canon Ward had done 17 years service at the church,
while Mr Wilson, generally known as "Dick" had spent 20 years as the verger.
The Church Council decided to reward their dedication and service by having two ancient, worn carvings removed and the new sculptures put in their place.
This is the little lane which they look out upon.
The article reckons that they should enjoy a semi-immortality of something like 500 years, weather and erosion permitting.
Far as I know they call then Headstops and over the years become eroded though some very old ones do survive. I have seen a few modern ones on Churches but none like the ones you have shown
ReplyDeleteHello Bill, Headstops, right, I must remember that. Thanks. Aren't they wonderful? As soon as I read the article I just knew I was going to search that church until I found them. I was particularly intrigued to see one done with specs, I certainly haven't seen that done before - but I'll be watching for more!
DeleteWow, what a terrific idea. All those headstops are so unusual. No cherubs, angels or gargoyles. Is this the only church that immortalizes people this way?
ReplyDeleteIt is the only one I have come across so far, but I bet if I go looking I'll find more. I hope their families remember to stop by and have a look occasionally.
Deleteexcellent pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sol. I'm struggling a little with my new pocket-sized camera. It is definitely small, but I keep hitting the wrong buttons and taking videos instead of photographs!
DeleteI love this post Felicity. Such wonderful images with so much detail. Stonemasons are indeed very talented.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week :)
Thank you, Prunella! I hope your week is a good one, too. I love exploring our tiny country churches but this has reminded me to look at the ones in towns, too.
Delete