Glorious Gate by judithg

Glorious Gate

It was another of those mornings that are either misty or glorious sunshine depending on which way you're looking - I might stick a collage to illustrate the fact in Extras. For variety though I thought I'd go with a detail from the Great Gate at St John's College. There is all sorts of symbolism in the gate which dates from 1516, one of the oldest parts of the college which was founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort in 1511. I often think this is a rather unflattering statue of her but actually it it a rather unflattering statue of St. John the Evangelist. At his feet is an eagle, the traditional symbol of the Saint and also of the college. He holds a chalice with a snake representing the legend that by his blessing he extracted the poison out of a cup of wine in the form of a serpent and then drank safely. Tradition dictates that families should share a cup of wine on his feast day - unfortunately you'll have to wait until December 27th.
In other news - I'm coming down with a cold - I'm not entirely surprised as I normally have a robust immune system but the shingles will have lowered my defences. The electrician brought a cold with him - I just hope my neighbour who called in after a terrible sickness session kept that to herself!!
Lovely history of this fascinating gate. So much interesting history in Cambridge.
On the other news, I do heartily wish you well very soon and hope you picked up nothing from your neighbour!!
January 24th, 2017  
Glorious indeed. You seem to have coped really well with shingles so I hope you don't now catch a cold or anything else.
January 24th, 2017  
Great shot, perspective, details and history...I guess you know that rest, good nutrition, sleep will help build your immune system. A healthy gut is key to a robust immune system.
January 24th, 2017  
It is indeed glorious in the sunshine :)
January 24th, 2017  
Nice capture. Do hope your cold doesn't get too severe. Everyone seems to be getting colds, coughs and sore throats.
January 24th, 2017  
We didn't get that much sun over here. Get well soon! I was let off work early due to sudden illness of the minister that was supposed to be speaking in Parliament tonight.
January 25th, 2017  
You're right I would have thought it Lady Margaret Beaufort rather than St John, he has a decidedly girlish face! Beautiful statue too in such warm stone. You will know this statue well!
You haven't mentioned the shingles for a while but hope you don't succumb to a cold, last thing you need & the other doesn't bear thinking about!
January 25th, 2017  
he does look rather effeminate. Stay warm and keep up those fluids...
January 25th, 2017  
The powder blue gown adds to the gender confusion. But such iconic and properly impressive architecture.
So sorry you are fighting a cold...doesn't seem fair with the shingles virus to battle already. :(
January 25th, 2017  
Love a bit of architectural symbolist stuff.
February 1st, 2017  
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