Wells Cathedral was begun towards the end of the 12th century and its builders, as was usual in the Middle Ages, began at the east end with the choir and then worked their way westwards. By the 1220s they had got to the west front, one of the most striking fronts of any cathedral, consisting of a vast stone screen of niches, in which were set hundreds of statues of saints, bishops, Biblical figures, and others. In most English churches the medieval sculptures were destroyed during the period of puritanical iconoclasm in the 17th century. But for some reason many of those at Wells were spared, and more than 300 remain, although in almost 800 years the elements have eroded some of them badly. What is more this screen of sculptures, which covers the entire western wall of the cathedral, also extends around on either side to cover part of the north and south walls. The whole makes up England’s greatest collection of statuary from the early Gothic phase of the 13th century.
Most visitors, deterred by eye strain, vertigo, or impatience to get inside the cathedral, don’t spend very long looking at each statue, especially those around the sides. So here are a pair of knights that stand high up on the north side. One has his head covered in a kind of proto-balaclava helmet of mail. His neighbour wears on his head a great helm with eye slits and breathing holes.
Their heads fit neatly into their intricate trefoil-headed niches, which are beautifully carved even though unregarded except by those with enthusiasm for such things, preferably backed up with binoculars or a telephoto lens. A bird's-eye view would be best, though birds are clearly apt to look at a Gothic niche in terms of its suitability for a nesting site.
Thanks to Zoë Brooks, her sharp eyes, and her zoom lens, for the pictures.
This is a superb example of not only looking up, but taking proper notice when you do. These knights got me thinking, we must know more about medieval costume from these statues and tomb effigies than any amount of illuminated manuscripts. Sadly it also led me to muse about what fun it would be to be transported back to these times and to discover that in reality they all staggered about in incredibly heavy stonewear.
ReplyDeleteStatues like this are a mine of information about what medieval people wore. So are the images in stained glass windows – although, as with the statues, survivals are not as frequent as one would like. I once did a book project that involved photographing medieval armour, and it was an education. Chain mail, or 'mail' as the armouristas call it, is surprisingly heavy and must have been exhausting to wear for long periods during battle. Metal plate armour like the great helm and the elaborate full suits of plate armour that developed rather later in the Middle Ages was heavy too. But those metal suits, with their multiple joints, were also remarkably flexible. I've seen a man doing cartwheels in a full suit of plate armour, but I wouldn't advise anyone to try this at home...
ReplyDeletegreat reference point for the kettle helm.
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