Following yesterdays shot of the rooftops of Pickering, and my comments about the church, a couple of you wanted to know more about the Medieval wall paintings, so here is a collage to show parts of the paintings. I apologise for the quality - these shots were taken some time ago with a poorer quality camera. Add to that the shady positioning of some of the paintings, and the effects of the 550 years they have spent up there, and the problem of getting good clear images becomes obvious.
The shot bottom left shows the paintings high up on the nave walls, above the arches.
The other shots show the following. Top left: The martyrdom of Saint Edmund in AD870. Top Centre: Passion cycle - Christ descends into hell. Top right: Passion cycle - Ressurection. Bottom centre: St George on horseback, spearing the dragon which is trampled beneath his horse’s feet. Bottom right: The life of St Catherine - St Catherine kneels while an angel blesses her as the executioner raises his sword.
The images show a rather bloodthirsty view of life which perhaps reflects the uncertainty of life in the medieval period. At the time of the reformation, such images became unpopular and were covered with whitewash, and over the years were forgotten. They were rediscovered around 1850. The vicar of the church at that time didn't like them and wanted to cover them again, but the bishop liked them and wanted them uncovered, and that is what happened. An amazing insight into an earlier age!
Thank you all for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated.
I think it is probably time for me to pay another visit to this lovely church and have another attempt at taking photos of these fascinating wall paintings
Thank you all for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated.
I think it is probably time for me to pay another visit to this lovely church and have another attempt at taking photos of these fascinating wall paintings
Ian
Thank you William. They are in better condition than many, but their great age has led to some deterioration.
Ian
Thank you Nina - I love that artists from 550 years ago can still tell us a story today.
Ian
Thank you Vesna, I'm pleased that you like it!
Ian