The Herefordshire School of Carvers

In the church of St Michael, Castle Frome, Herefordshire is a magnificently carved Norman font. It is the product of a group of sculptors who carved distinctive fonts and other objects within the county. They date from the twelfth century and incorporate a number of styles - Anglo-Saxon, Norse (Viking), Benedictine, Western France and Northern Italy. The font in Castle Frome is probably one of their last works, perhaps carved c.1150. The top of the font exhibits bold plaiting and the lower features interlace. In between are figures of the Evangelists and scenes telling the story of the baptism of Christ. St Luke holding a book is prominent in the photograph. At the base, in a different type of stone are three disfigured crouching creatures.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Leominster capitals

The west doorway of Leominster Priory (it is also also the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul) has capitals that are carved in the manner of the Herefordshire School of stone carving (see Eardisley font). Consequently they must have been carved c1140-1150. My photograph shows details of the south capitals that feature affronted birds, bending men in "beehive" hats cutting leaves, and serpents, as well as ropework, bead and other typical Norman decoration. The detail has lasted remarkably well considering it has been subject to nine hundred years of English weather.

The doorway itself has three orders of shafts,  a hoodmould with chevron ornament, more chevron on the second order, and remarkably, arches that are slightly pointed rather than the usual semicircles of this period.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Norman Font, Eardisley, Herefordshire

One of the most magnificent church fonts in all England can be found in St Mary Magdalene, Eardisley, in Herefordshire. It was carved c1150 and depicts two knights fighting with sword and spear (the latter piercing a thigh), the Harrowing of Hell (including a lion), God the Father, and Christ. Weaving through the figure carving are sinuous tendrils. The top of the font has a plaited band. On the stem is rope moulding and an interlaced knot pattern. The quality and style of the work shows it to be a product of the Herefordshire School of stone carving. Some other nearby churches have carving of similar quality and style dating from the same period.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2