Dr Todd Gray to give illustrated lecture at church in Braunton
CHURCHES in North Devon are a treasure trove for those wanting to learn more about ancient carved bench ends.
Braunton and Hartland’s churches have the largest collections in the county, according to Dr Todd Gray, an Honorary Research Fellow at Exeter University.
He will be giving an illustrated lecture on bench ends, which are the subject of his latest book, at St Brannock’s Church in Braunton next Wednesday, October 31, at 2pm.
He said: “North Devon is at the heart of the surviving ancient bench ends of Devon.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
“What is interesting about North Devon is that it is the only part of the country to include carvings of the Instruments of the Passion on their seat ends.
“These are depictions of the symbols of Jesus’ crucifixion and the unanswered question is why they were used in this part of Devon but not in the south or east of the county.
“Braunton’s carvings are rich and varied; like others in Devon there are religious themes as well as Renaissance images.
“It is an interesting quirk of history that so many of these ancient bench ends survive in North Devon.
“The reasons for it are, as yet, unknown to me but it is clear, from my visiting the churches, that many local people in North Devon are deeply attached to them as visible signs of their history.”
Comments