Angel Roof - Wymondham Abbey - Wymondham, Norfolk - Wooden Church Artefacts on Waymarking.com

"This is an English oak hammer-beamed roof adorned with angels and expensive, elaborately carved wooden bosses.

Dating from the middle of the 15th century, when the roof was raised by the addition of an extra storey, it is one of those angel roofs that are relatively unique to East Anglia. The first such roof is in Westminster Hall, the work of Sir Hugh Herland, who was later commissioned to build Great Yarmouth harbour. Martin Rimmer in his book on angel roofs considers that it is perhaps not a coincidence that with so many of his artisans based in the region there are so many such angel roofs hereabouts.

If you look carefully you will notice that there are more angels between these angels that watch over you, tucked away in the sides of the roof. On your tour of the Abbey you will meet a replica of one of the large angels."

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In case you get a stiff neck, they have provided a mirror so you can spend some time looking up at the amazing craftsmanship, and the angels can look down at you!

"the life size exact replica of one of the wooden roof angels from the nave is in St Benedict’s. It used to stand by the font. If not you may meet the angel elsewhere (including a real live angel which exist and people still bear witness to). Mediaeval Christians had developed a hierarchy of three ‘spheres’ of angels: 1) Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones 2) Dominions or Lordships, Virtues of Stronghold, Powers or Authorities 3) Principalities or Rulers, Archangels, and Angels. Whilst most of these, or at least the expression, appear in the Bible, generally speaking angels appear to be large and fearful in the biblical records. Their first words are often “Do not be afraid!”

Angels, the lowest of the hierarchy, are God’s messengers but It may be that this angel, probably life size for the shorter population of the time, was considered to be a guardian angel watching over the congregation. Jesus mentioned angels in passing when teaching his disciples and summoned a little child to come to him. He urged us to become like children and in that child-like state he taught: ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.’ Matthew 18:10 (NIVUK)"

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Times available for viewing: Monday - Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday - closed (except for services). Entrance fee (if applicable), local currency: 0 Approximate age of artefact (Year): Not listed Relevant website: Not listed

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