tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228081722487474323.post7013713287409070782..comments2024-03-25T15:10:13.792+00:00Comments on English Buildings: Hailes, GloucestershirePhilip Wilkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04893714514416441572noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228081722487474323.post-42209909627802021432021-02-23T13:47:10.051+00:002021-02-23T13:47:10.051+00:00Why should there be anything "posh" abou...Why should there be anything "posh" about heraldry in medieval art work? Heraldic devices indicate gentry, but can be freely enjoyed by all. Likewise, dragons, etc. - why any special significance? See G. K. Chesterton on Chaucer, The Epistle of Othona (Early English Text Society) and numerous other literary sources. The encyclopaedic medieval artists allowed fun and games and Classical mythology in a quite exuberant and natural way to illustrate their theologically-centred world view, inclusive and if necessary irresponsible rather than straitlaced and pedantic. What would be a surprise is that blank spaces would not be filled with red dragons or other beasts of the right shape and size. After all, dragons are mentioned in the Scriptures as well. A "pagan" device on one of the carved crosses led to a lot of ink being spilt to explain it: it could just as easily be the Prophet Isaiah being sawn in half. Joseph Biddulph (Publisher)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08655472675410890012noreply@blogger.com