The Parish Church in Ludlow is famous for its 15th century misericords in the chancel stalls. These ignored carvings are found underneath choir stall seats and are mostly found in areas of the country whose wealth came from the medieval wool trade. The largest collection is housed at Salisbury Cathedral (106) compared to Hereford Cathedral (40) and the 28 intricately carved designs here in Ludlow.
Finally I have managed to get some decent photos of them all, so let me introduce you to them:
North Side 11 – 15
N11: Another one that is thought to have links with the Duke of York’s antecedents. This portrait of a king is similar to Edward III in old age, but as heads of kings are common on misericords and church carvings it could well be David or some other biblical king.
N12: An Angel blowing on a shawm with the upper part of the instrument missing from the right arm. Angels playing instruments are a common feature in medieval churches.
N13: The personal badge of Richard, Duke of York (1411-1460) is the Falcon and the Fetterlock. He was the manorial lord of Ludlow and owner of the castle.
N14: Plain
N15: Four roses entwined with rose leaves and flanked by a double rose on either side, clearly symbolic of the House of York.
Source of text: Historic Ludlow ” The Misericords and Choir Stalls” by Peter Klein (1986)
Amazing carvings. I hope to visit onday and Salisbury!
I haven’t been to Salisbury cathedral either. Must do. And Hereford which is only down the road!
I like The Duke of York’s badge. It must have been good to have your own armorial, recognised everywhere. Not much point having any written name displayed, when so few could read, I suppose.
Regards as always, Pete. x
I’d never thought of that. Of course. Easily identifiable by the badge. I think I’d have a dragonfly 😀
The roses of course! We’re at the airport. Mick chilling with a Guinness. Rare indulgence because he usually has to drive at the other end. Take care of yourself. Back soon. X
You too – have a fun few days with the family and look after those men of yours 😉
I must be honest and say I didn’t really know Ludlow as anything but a family name until I read your blog, but it does look like an interesting place to visit. Those carvings are wonderful. Dating back to 15th century? I think I’m right in saying that’s even before the iPad 2.
Haha… well before America was even discovered by the rest of the world 😀
Woah… (struggles with the concept) may even be older than my dear departed granddad!
These insignias are so very detailed and finely wrought, you feel you should be able to touch them and be zinged back to time of the persons to whom they belonged. Perfect little portals, in other words. The last time we were in Ludlow church looking at these very misericords, but not taking in the finer points as you have, Jude, the very nice vicar stopped to chat with us. I felt a bit guilty, not being an adherent.
Thank you for teaching me a new word Tish! I’m not a believer either, but I enjoy the history and architecture of a church. The misericords puzzled me for some time. Now they fascinate me.I really must get to Hereford cathedral!
Oh yes, and the Mappa Mundi there too.
True. Have you seen it?
No, but I want to, Haven’t been to Hereford for donkeys years.
I’m quite ashamed that I haven’t been there yet seeing as it is so near and have driven through Hereford many times on the A49. Need to do better!
Wow, they are amazing.
Just as lovely but these strike me as being a different style to the rest, some of them were more pagan.
The ones on the north stalls were older, from the 14th century so much more pagan in style. Shouldn’t you be packing? 😀
Sort of done, sleep now and off in the morning !
Safe journey 🙂
I’m glad you’re giving us just a few misericords at a time. They’re beautifully photographed and worth savouring. The craftsmanship is amazing. I like the angel particularly, partly for its imperfection.
The angel is my favourite of this set. I thought it best to stagger them as otherwise people will just glance at a couple and miss the rest. They each deserve attention.
Beautiful carvings. Why was N14 plain? Are these on the majority of the chancel stalls? They’re a beautiful detail.