Church Misericords and Bench Ends

by Richard Hayman

Although misericords were originally installed on the hidden undersides of church folding seats to provide comfort to those standing for long periods of prayer, the have gradually become more ornately carved and decorated. Now they, along with the benches installed in parish churches in the later middle ages, are the objects of a large proportion of the surviving medieval woodcarving in Britain. The subject matter of these carvings is not merely concerned with religion and religious symbolism. This book outlines the history of church seating, considers the status of the craftsmen and the influences on their work, and then explains the subject matter of the carvings.

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ivan Monckton · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always with Shire Albums, a well illustrated introduction to the subject

[pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

although i have admired medieval misericords and bench ends for years, it never occurred to me that i could find out more about them. imagine my joy when i came across this little book while in the gift shop of Winchester cathedral. it is well written and informative, as well as nicely illustrated with lots of good photos of the amazing wood carvings.