Tympanum - St Mary Magdalene & St Andrew - Ridlington, Rutland
Posted by: SMacB
N 52° 36.952 W 000° 44.958
30U E 652371 N 5831918
Norman tympanum carved in relief in the west end of the south aisle above a door in St Mary Magdalene & St Andrew's church, Ridlington.
Waymark Code: WM11HG5
Location: East Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/27/2019
Views: 2
Norman tympanum carved in relief in the west end of the south aisle above a door in St Mary Magdalene & St Andrew's church, Ridlington.
"late Saxon or early Norman tympanum over the vestry door. This was found in two pieces in 1860; one piece was being used as a window sill.
The tympanum is beautifully carved, with a lion and a winged gryphon fighting, and a figure of a wheel with 8 spokes beneath them. The lion's tail terminates in a trefoiled design. Above the lion are the letters IO (probably for the name 'John'). The entire tympanum is surrounded by a border decorated with guilloche ornamentation.
The exact symbolism is unknown, but the most likely meaning is to represent the never-ending conflict between good and evil. The tympanum is worn but the carving is quite beautifully done."
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