Stiffleaf's photos

The interplay of lines and shapes in this one junction pier are early examples of the sculptural expression of thrusts and forces found in late perpendicular pier bases or in the intersection of ribs in vaults more common in grand churches in Germany or Poland built by the Parlers than in little rustic English parish churches of the early C14th. This is brilliance in both conception and execution by some unknown mason.

Dating from 1310, this is the chancel of the franciscan church, which is unusual not only in being apsidal at this time, but in remaining standing at all. Like most friars' churches it had a small central tower, often octagonal, over the north-south passageway that took the place of full transepts, hence the stair turret seen here to the south of the arch . Here everything beyond this eastern crossing arch was used as a church for foreign protestants after the dissolution of the friary, leading to its remaining standing where most friars' churches were destroyed. Little remains of the nave which was designed for preaching : a modern house stands on the site of other buildings.

The reappearance of the apse during the decorated period is indicative of the style's increased sophistication and its interest in non-rectangular spaces and diagonal views.

jesse tree

jesse tree